Brock McLean will part ways with Melbourne after requesting a trade to join another AFL club.

McLean met with Demons officials on Monday to confirm his decision and the club have reached an in-principle agreement with Carlton for their first draft choice in this year's national draft.

The Blues have agreed to trade pick No.11 for the midfielder, who has played 94 games since making his debut in 2004.

It is the first official in-principle agreement in the lead-up to this year's trading period and is subject to the finalisation of paperwork during trade week, commencing on October 5.

The 23-year-old will also have to complete a medical examination.

"I have come to the decision that the best thing for my football career is to move on from Melbourne," McLean said in a statement.

"While it has been an extremely tough decision as I have given the club my all, I am confident it is the right one for both parties."

The Demons are disappointed to lose McLean, but say they are now in a strong position as they continue to rebuild their young list.

"It is very disappointing to lose a player of Brock's calibre," Melbourne list management general manager Tim Harrington said.

"Once Brock made this decision it was important that we secured a commensurate trade - this has been achieved.

"We are now in a very strong position at the national draft with four selections inside the top 18, all before any other club's second selections have occurred."

It will be the final uncompromised draft before the new Gold Coast club receives a host of exemptions ahead of their entry in the 2011 AFL season.

While McLean was one of Melbourne's top players, he has suffered from off-field controversy.

The Demons dumped him from their leadership group ahead of last season.

In May, McLean said he was keen to take over from James McDonald as Melbourne captain.

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