<h2>Young Demon Judd McVee Requests Trade to WA Club - Three Point Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-Melbourne defender Judd McVee requests trade to Fremantle Dockers ahead of 2025 AFL trade period</p> <p>-The 22-year-old Western Australian wants to return home after 65 games with the Demons since 2021</p> <p>-Fremantle holds multiple draft picks including pick 11 to secure McVee's services once trading opens October 6</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne Demons defender Judd McVee has officially requested a trade to Fremantle, seeking a return to his home state of Western Australia.</p> <p>The 22-year-old has played 65 games in the Red and Blue since breaking into the Demons best team at the start of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>McVee Chooses to Return Home Over Melbourne Contract Offer</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 22-year-old defender has been contemplating his future throughout the 2025 season but has now made his intentions clear to Melbourne officials. Despite the Demons' persistent efforts to retain him with multiple contract offers, McVee has informed the club of his desire to join the Fremantle Dockers.</p> <p>McVee's decision comes after weighing up his options for months, with Melbourne desperate to secure the talented defender's signature. The out-of-contract player has remained focused on returning to Western Australia, where he grew up in Geraldton before being drafted from East Perth as a rookie at the end of 2021.</p> <p>The AFL trade period officially opens on Monday, October 6, when Fremantle will begin negotiations to secure McVee's services.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dockers enter the trade period well-positioned with picks 11, 29, 38, 47, and 65, along with future first and second-round selections for 2026 and 2027.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Injury-Interrupted Season Shapes Trade Decision</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>McVee's 2025 campaign was significantly impacted by a pre-season hamstring injury that sidelined him until round seven. The setback disrupted what had been a consistent run in Melbourne's defensive structure over the previous three seasons.</p> <p>Since joining the Demons, McVee has established himself as a reliable presence in the back half, accumulating 65 games over four seasons. His development from rookie selection to regular senior player has made him an attractive prospect for Fremantle as they look to bolster their defensive stocks.</p> <p>The defender's injury concerns this season may factor into trade negotiations, though his overall body of work and age profile make him a valuable long-term acquisition for the Dockers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Faces Busy Trade Period</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>McVee's departure request adds to what shapes as a challenging trade period for Melbourne. Premiership defender Steven May has been encouraged to explore his options despite having another year remaining on his contract, while star midfielder Christian Petracca continues to attract interest from Adelaide and Gold Coast.</p> <p>The Demons have already confirmed the loss of Charlie Spargo, who has joined North Melbourne on a three-year deal as a free agent. However, Melbourne remains active in the player market, pursuing Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders and showing interest in Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek.</p> <p>St Kilda ruckman Max Heath is expected to land at Melbourne, while Greater Western Sydney's Wade Derksen has also attracted interest from the Demons as they look to refresh their list.</p> <p>The successful completion of McVee's trade to Fremantle will depend on the clubs reaching an acceptable arrangement during the upcoming trade period. With the Dockers holding valuable draft capital and McVee's contract status, negotiations are expected to progress quickly once trading officially begins.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>For all the latest AFL Trade, Free Agency and Contract news this off-season, keep clicking back to<strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl">The Huddle</a> </strong>to keep you across all the movement and where your club's picks for the<strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/2025-afl-draft-order">2025 AFL Draft</a></strong> fall.</em></p>