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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Ben McKay is on the move from North Melbourne.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>AFL Photos<\/cite><\/p>\n Senior sources familiar with the situation at all three clubs confirmed McKay\u2019s decision to this masthead.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n That compensation could be as high as a selection immediately after North Melbourne\u2019s pick two, depending on what contract McKay is offered.<\/p>\n North Melbourne list manager Brady Rawlings said the club would consider its next move in light of McKay\u2019s request.<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand that free agency is part of football,\u201d Rawlings said.<\/p>\n \u201cGiven Ben is a restricted free agent, we have the option to match any contract that\u2019s on offer to him.<\/p>\n \u201cThe official start of the free agency period is still a couple of weeks away so we\u2019ve got time to assess our options and make a decision in the best interests of the North Melbourne Football Club.\u201d<\/p>\n McKay visited Hawthorn\u2019s training venue, Waverley Park, on Saturday, having already met with Essendon.<\/p>\n The Bombers were desperate to shore up their defence with extra height, especially with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher requesting a trade to Port Adelaide.<\/p>\n Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. <\/i><\/b>Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nMost Viewed in Sport<\/h2>\n
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