Trade week officially began this morning and Matthew Knights was quick to say that the Bombers' priority is securing a deal that is good for Andrew Lovett and Essendon.

 

""With an Andrew Lovett trade at play we will just see what evolves over the week ahead. Nothing is concrete at this stage but we will just see how it goes over the next couple days,"" he said.

 

""We are open minded about whether it (a trade) be a pick or a player. From our perspective and Andrew’s we want to support him to get to a new environment and we will have a look at either option.

 

""I think Brisbane are interested but again at what level, we're unsure. Until today is discussed and we can have a talk with a few clubs it is a little bit up-in-the-air. We are looking forward to the week and let’s hope a few trades can be done.""

 
To see the Knights interview click here.
 
Knights admitted that while the Bombers haven't given up all hope of securing Port Adelaide's Shaun Burgoyne it remained a long-shot.

 

""It's more likely than not he will end up at Hawthorn,"" he said.

 

""From our perspective we are going to look to stay the course and stay the program which we started two years go. If we are involved in a trade .. it will be at be at a small level.""

 

The coach was playing his cards close to his chest when asked about St Kilda duo Luke Ball and Matt McGuire.

 

""I haven't spoken to Luke direct,"" he said. 

 

""There has been a bit of talk about Luke around about in the industry but I haven't spoken to him eye-to-eye so certainly any enquiry hasn't been at that level yet.

 

""I haven't spoken to McGuire and I would have thought it would be very unlikely, that situation. We are really keen to stay the course with our young defenders in Hooker, Pears, Hurley and Daniher. It's important we do that.""

 
Hurry. Don't forget to bid on Scott Lucas and Jobe Watson's 2009 playing jumpers and a match ball signed by Matthew Lloyd before 5pm today by simply clicking here.