In-demand North defender Ben McKay chooses Essendon
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Ben McKay has finally made a call on his future, choosing to exercise his free agency rights and sign with Essendon.
The 25-year-old intercepting defender told Sydney this week that he would remain in Victoria to continue his 71-game career, but days passed as he weighed up the Bombers and Hawthorn.
Ben McKay is on the move from North Melbourne.Credit: AFL Photos
Senior sources familiar with the situation at all three clubs confirmed McKay’s decision to this masthead.
As McKay is a restricted free agent, North Melbourne retain the option to match the bid and force a trade if they believed they were capable of gaining a better pick in a trade than they would receive as compensation for losing McKay.
That compensation could be as high as a selection immediately after North Melbourne’s pick two, depending on what contract McKay is offered.
North Melbourne list manager Brady Rawlings said the club would consider its next move in light of McKay’s request.
“We understand that free agency is part of football,” Rawlings said.
“Given Ben is a restricted free agent, we have the option to match any contract that’s on offer to him.
“The official start of the free agency period is still a couple of weeks away so we’ve got time to assess our options and make a decision in the best interests of the North Melbourne Football Club.”
McKay visited Hawthorn’s training venue, Waverley Park, on Saturday, having already met with Essendon.
The Bombers were desperate to shore up their defence with extra height, especially with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher requesting a trade to Port Adelaide.
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