Adelaide are reportedly set to rekindle their interest in Fremantle defender Brennan Cox this season, with the Crows again hopeful of prying the contracted Docker back to his home state of South Australia.
Cox was in the sights of the West Lakes club last season, but the 23-year-old recommitted to Fremantle last November on a deal that sees his signature tied to the Western Australian side until the end of 2024.
The defensive stopper has been a pivotal piece in the Dockers' rise up the premiership ranks this season, enjoying a career-best campaign in ranking above-average for disposals, spoils, intercept marks and kicks among players of his position.
A Woodville-South native, Cox joined the Dockers through the 2016 National Draft as the 41st overall selection after being named at centre-half back for the U18s All-Australian team.
His services would add to an undersized Adelaide rearguard, who have conceded the third most points this season.
According to 7 News SA's Theo Doropoulos, Cox is again a player of interest for the Crows, with Adelaide to 'dangle the carrot' in hope of luring the 195cm tall backman.
"Last year the Crows did have a dip at the Woodville-West Torrens junior, that's before he recommitted to Fremantle until the end of '24," Doropoulos revealed on Tuesday night.
"That loyalty to the Dockers is set to be tested once again as Adelaide dangles the carrot to try and lure the 23-year-old home in the upcoming trade period.
"Cox has played 19 games this year, 78 in total, and he wouldn't come too cheaply given the contract situation, you expect the asking price to be an early second-round pick."
In the same report, Doropoulos also revealed that contracted Demons forward Sam Weideman is also of interest to the Crows.
While Weideman isn't seen as a priority target for Matthew Nicks' side, the 25-year-old is understood to be of some level of interest for the Crows.
"Another name to watch is Demons swingman Sam Weideman, he's been in and out of Melbourne's team all season," Doropoulos added.
"He's contracted until the end of next year, then he will become a restricted free agent.
"The Crows have the capacity to use the versatile 25-year-old at either end of the ground. But he is lower on the list of priorities at this stage."
Like Cox, Weideman inked a new deal beyond 2022 despite rival interest, with Collingwood linked to the key forward.
Weideman has struggled to cement his spot in Simon Goodwin's side across seven seasons in red and blue, playing 59 games - 10 of which in 2022.
The Vermont product could add to an exciting young forward line at the Crows, which currently consists of Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe, Josh Rachele and Shane McAdam.