It is trade week in the AFL, and while most of the action is simply talking at the moment, we can expect a flurry of deals to occur over the next 72 hours. There are many rumours darting in all directions, and one of these raised yesterday centred around Brendan Fevola.

It was announced by Fevola’s management that a Melbourne based club had made inquiries about how the troubled star was travelling. The inquiries were made by a List Manager, rather than a coach, and he then took that information back to the club. This little development suggests there are clubs willing to take a punt on big Fevola, and rightly so, he is a superb AFL standard player. Question is, which Melbourne club is keen?

CARLTON

It would seem highly unlikely that Carlton would again marry itself to a player they repeatedly failed to harness, but then again, Fevola is a very different man now (hopefully!), but still has the same talent. They do miss a genuine spearhead, and perhaps could see him as the missing link? He would cost them nothing, unlike in previous years, but do they want him back in the clubrooms?

Chance – 60%

COLLINGWOOD

While Collingwood do have options up forward, all of them lack consistency. There is no doubting Travis Cloke’s ability, but we all flip a coin when he takes a shot on goal as a way of predicting the outcome. Dawes could be the next big forward to take on the game, but as yet he too is up and down. Nathan Buckley now wears the pants at Collingwood, and what direction he wants to take it anyone’s guess, but if he wants to strengthen his forward line, he could do a lot worse.

Chance – 30%

ESSENDON

Essendon is a highly conservative club, and would appear to be the least likely to take on Brendan Fevola. This is not to say they don’t need him, because he would probably fit in quite well at Windy Hill. James Hird and Mark Thompson have a blueprint however, and unless Thompson wants to re-enact his James Podsiadly masterstroke of two years ago, I would not bet on Fevola wearing the red sash.

Chance – 20%

GEELONG

The paint is still wet on Geelong’s Premiership, and on the face of it, they really don’t need to change too much. They have lost Cameron Mooney however, and James Podsiadly is likely to slip down the pecking order next year. Bringing Fevola into the Cattery would also put pressure on the new captain and leadership group, as they try to implement their own mark on the team post Cameron Ling. It seems unlikely Geelong would be willing to gamble on Fevola.

Chance – 20%

HAWTHORN

Hawthorn went close this year, and will be carefully reviewing their list, and seeing what needs strengthening. Jarryd Roughead will be back in 2012, and along with Buddy Franklin, you struggle to see where Brendan Fevola might fit in? Hawthorn is close to the salary cap however, and Fevola may represent a value for money injury cover option, should the Hawks lose a Roughead or Franklin to the medical room.

Chance – 30%

MELBOURNE

Fevola played with Melbourne’s affiliate club Casey in 2011, and is said to have impressed the Demons with his attitude, despite their very public stance against Casey recruiting Fevola. Has he perhaps earned some respect at Melbourne, and turned their heads? With a new coach, anything is possible. Melbourne is again, one of the more conservative clubs in the AFL, and their fans would be against any move to bring in Fevola, but for a club in such a mess, perhaps it may not be a bad thing to bring in such a talent?

Chance – 50%

NORTH MELBOURNE

It is said a clubs List Manager was asking after Fevola, and Donald McDonald has had a bit of presence during this week. The Kangaroos slid a little this year, and do need some experience. They would be expected to make the finals in 2012, and a dominant forward will definitely help. The Kangaroos represent a strong chance for Fevola to resume his AFL career, so long as he conforms to club policy, and leaves his ego at the door.

Chance – 80%

RICHMOND

Richmond has form in giving players second chances, and you need only look at Ben Cousins, who arguably had a worse and more damaging track record than Fevola. Fevola could be an excellent replacement for Matthew Richardson, and teaming with Jack Riewoldt in the forward line could be a potent pairing. Like the Kangaroos, Tigerland seems another strong possibility for Brendan Fevola.

Chance – 80%

ST.KILDA

The only team without a coach, perhaps it would make sense that a List Manager was making the inquiries? However, St.Kilda has been plagued with bad behavioural issues over the last several years, and there is a real problem with leadership at the Saints. Would they be willing to take on another bad egg? It seems unlikely, particularly as Robert Harvey was at Carlton when Fevola was sacked. However, small forward Stephen Milne was their leading goalkicker, and a big forward to support Nick Riewoldt may be just what the doctor ordered?

Chance – 60%

WESTERN BULLDOGS

With Barry Hall retiring, there is a ready-made position awaiting a player like Brendan Fevola. The Bulldogs gave Hall a second chance, why not Fevola? The Bulldogs have already ruled Fevola out, but this scenario seems to fit together the best. The Doggies need a big forward, and with the Lions chasing Ben Hudson, could they do a straight swap?

Chance – 80%

Brendan Fevola is no certainty to return to the AFL, but the man has made a concerted effort to change his ways and get back into the AFL. He is willing to play for minimum wage, and represents an excellent chance for a club to get a highly talented player for basically nothing. Why more clubs are not jumping at this chance is gobsmacking.  The age of recycling players is back now however, and this could be good news for Brendan Fevola.

Can you see Fevola coming back?

Which club do you see him going to?

Do you want him at your club?

Leave your comments below!