Angus Brayshaw with Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin after their win over the Lions.Credit:AFL Photos
Melbourne’s dealings with Brayshaw have been transparent,with the Demons made aware of Essendon’s interest and also that of Fremantle,where his brother Andrew has become their premier midfielder.
Essendon have been an aggressive suitor of uncontracted players from other clubs lately,having also made a strong play forGold Coast’s talented small forward Izak Rankine,who has been happy with the Suns,but remains unsigned.
Melbourne sources said that Brayshaw had given no indication he wished to leave the club,but that they did not take his signature for granted until it had been completed. Remuneration is not expected to be a major issue with Brayshaw,who has been paid more than $600,000 in his current contract and will earn more in the next deal;it is more a case of his career path and whether he is satisfied with playing his role at an exceptionally strong team,or if he would like greater responsibilities elsewhere.
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Essendon’s pitch to Brayshaw - and indeed that of other clubs - is understood to centre on the fact that he would play as a frontline midfielder,whereas he has spent much of 2021 and 2022 on the wing and at half-back respectively. Brayshaw is seen as a contender for a half-back flank spot in the All-Australian squad this year. Mahoney knows Brayshaw well from their days at Melbourne together - the former having been football operations manager there - and knows of his leadership qualities.
Brayshaw has been consigned to the wing and half-back - and excelled in both roles,underscoring his versatility - because the Demons have superstars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca in the centre square and view Jack Viney as a primary midfielder. Brayshaw has been deployed in other positions,despite his midfield capability,in part because he can play those roles more effectively than other midfielders.