ESSENDON and Carlton are hunting for midfielders, and Melbourne's Dom Tyson should be near the top of their lists.

Tyson is currently out of Melbourne's senior side, relegated to the VFL and a victim of the Demons' strong midfield depth and some injury interruptions in the pre-season.

He has played six games, having been overlooked for selection in round one after a calf injury over summer. He returned to the side in round two, missed round four with illness, and then played the next four weeks before being dropped after the Dees' win over Gold Coast in round eight.

That came after Tyson, a natural ball-winner at the stoppages, was squeezed out of his side's engine room and onto a wing.

It's a tough midfield to break into. Co-captains Jack Viney and Nathan Jones have a hold on inside jobs, Clayton Oliver is one of the competition's brightest young players, Angus Brayshaw is enjoying the best patch of form in his career and Jesse Hogan rolls through at times. Even Christian Petracca, another powerful option, doesn't spend as much time around the ball as he would at other clubs.

It is not a slight on Tyson but a compliment to the Dees for their depth in that area of the ground. But Tyson, pick No.3 at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, did not leave Greater Western Sydney at the end of 2013 to join Melbourne and be playing in the VFL.

There is no suggestion Tyson, 25 next week, is unhappy at the club or seeking a trade. He is also contracted until the end of 2019, having agreed to an extension in 2016. But that shouldn't stop rivals from making enquiries with the lure of a permanent midfield spot.

Tyson isn't explosive and nor will he take out any 100-metre sprints, but he has already proved what he is good at when at AFL level: he can find the ball, clear it from a stoppage and do it consistently. He finished in the top five of Melbourne's best and fairest in two of his first three seasons there.

It would be a surprise if the Bombers and Blues aren't interested in Brayshaw, who is out of contract this year and yet to open talks with the Dees. But Tyson should also be on their radar as a target.

Essendon was busy at last year's trade period, but none of their three additions are pure inside midfielders. Tyson offers experience and maturity and should appeal as a player who could assist the Bombers' midfield brigade of Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell and Devon Smith.

The Blues also need to boost their midfield and have openly talked about targeting players in the 24 to 26-year-old age bracket, particularly through free agency. Tyson would come at a cost; some scouts canvassed by AFL.com.au felt a pick around No.30 would be about right, but has yet to reach his peak.

There will be other clubs looking for midfielders during this year's exchange period. Gold Coast needs more and Sydney might also be interested as their core group of onballers reach the back end of their respective careers. If Tyson remains out of Melbourne's side, there should be no shortage of suitors.