ESSENDON has emerged as the front-runner to secure the services of out-of-contract Geelong midfielder Brent Prismall.

It is understood the Bombers are the preferred destination of the midfielder, who has asked to be traded after struggling to be a regular senior player in the Cats' side.

Prismall injured a knee late in the season, requiring a reconstruction, but clubs are undeterred by the injury.

Fremantle and Melbourne joined Essendon yesterday in expressing their interest to the Cats. It is understood Melbourne and the Dockers discussed a possible third-round draft pick as part of a trade.

The Cats are also in negotiation to re-sign grand final full-forward Tom Lonergan, who remains out of contract.

Lonergan's manager, Anthony McConville, said he was eager to resolve the contract talks early in the week with the Cats so that there would still be time to negotiate a trade if there was no agreement.

"We need to be open to whatever other options there are out there and, at the end of the day, if Geelong's proposal is not as we would expect, then we need to consider our options," McConville said.

In other developments:

■Sydney and Hawthorn expressed keen interest in Melbourne utility Brad Green, who remains out of contract. The Demons have offered him a three-year deal and are hopeful he will stay.

■The Western Bulldogs have forsaken their first pick in the national draft — No. 14 — for father-son recruit Ayce Cordy. The Dogs were forced into using their first pick after St Kilda offered its first pick in the draft for the teenage ruckman.

■Sydney remains firm favourite to secure Essendon midfielder Andrew Lovett, who is up for trade. The Bombers are seeking a pick between 15 and 20 for Lovett while the Swans' second pick is No. 30.

Melbourne, which is interested in Rob Warnock and Prismall, has not yet determined whether to pursue Lovett.

■ Collingwood indicated to other clubs that Alan Didak was off the table unless there was an exceptional offer while Rhyce Shaw, who is under contract, has expressed a willingness to be traded.

■Richmond and St Kilda have shown mild interest in Melbourne ruckman Mark Jamar.

■Geelong's interest is subdued due to its salary cap constraints that, barring a trade that opens up space, will likely limit the Cats to the draft and players on low salaries.