McCaffrey hasn’t officially signed with the VFL outfit, but has a verbal agreement.

“He’s been highly recommended by (ex-AFL coach) Rodney Eade and (ex-Wodonga Raiders’ mentor) Daryn Cresswell,” Melbourne Football Club general manager of Casey football Peter Maynard said.

“(There’s) four key criteria that normally players have to tick off, which is talent, character, competitiveness and athleticism and he ticks all those boxes.

“He has aspirations to be the best he can be and, potentially, still get a chance maybe at AFL level.”

The wingman spent two years at Raiders after time with the Swans’ reserves.

“We encourage all our players that come through our system if they want to play a higher level, then go for it,” Raiders’ coach Jarrod Hodgkin said.

McCaffrey has a lethal left foot, although his year was disrupted with a broken arm.

At this stage, he hasn’t nominated a second club.

Players have to have a second ‘home’ should they not be named at VFL level.

The reference by Cresswell can only help Wangaratta Rovers’ hopes of signing McCaffrey.

Cresswell stunned the league last month when he signed with Rovers –  which had the first winless year in their history – after four successful seasons with Raiders.

Last season’s preliminary finalists have already landed Barooga’s Murray League O’Dwyer medallist Brodie A’Vard, who polled a record-equalling 37 votes.