Brisbane are seen as a potential suitor for out-of-contract Geelong tall Esava Ratugolea, with the Lions seen as one club likely to be searching for a key defender on the open market.
Ratugolea has transformed into a viable defensive option in 2023 since making the switch from the forward line to Chris Scott's rearguard, flourishing in the absence of injured swingman Jack Henry to start the year.
The Fijian high-flyer struggled to cement his spot in Geelong's senior side last year and used the back-end of 2022 to trial as a defender, a move that piqued the interest of Port Adelaide in the off-season.
The Power and Cats were in discussions around a move to send Ratugolea to Port Adelaide, however the Cats stood firm in their negotiations given Ratugolea's contract status that penned the 197cm tall talent to the Kardinia Park club until the end of this year.
The South Australian club is seen likely to come calling again as they look to bolster their backline at the end of this season, with North Melbourne free agent Harry McKay another name tied to a potential Alberton move.
While McKay is likely to command lucrative offers for his services, Ratugolea's asking price is growing each week as the seventh-year Cat continues to impress in his new role down back.
Ratugolea polled a perfect 10 votes from the coaches in Round 8 to see his season votes tally double, with the Geelong backman recording four intercept marks and a total of nine intercept possessions in a role on Adelaide sharpshooter Taylor Walker.
The impressive campaign from Ratugolea is likely to have more suitors queuing up for his services for 2024 and beyond, while the Cats will be hopeful of retaining the New South Wales-born tall.
Brisbane, who are said to have expressed some level of interest in Ratugolea last year, are believed to be one club that could come calling for the 24-year-old this year as they look to add to their backline stocks, according toย 7 Newsย reporter Mitch Cleary.
The Lions are likely to be without Marcus Adams for the remainder of this year due to an ongoing concussion battle, with Ratugolea seen as a potential asset to join Harris Andrews, Jack Payne and Darcy Gardiner in Chris Fagan's backline.
Speaking on theย Tradies Podcast,ย Cleary said the Lions will be "one to watch" in the race for Ratugolea's services.
"So the average wage is $400,000. I think he'd be, on the market, able to command a bit over that," Cleary said.
"I think there's going to be more money for him out there.
"... He is (putting off contract talks). That's been basically stated that he will be putting it off until the later parts of the season.
"Brisbane are the other one to watch here. They had a bit of a look, as my understanding, last year. Just a bit of a look around on Esava given Marcus Adams' concussion and the need for a key back.
"I wouldn't rule them out of the market this year too."
Like Ratugolea, Payne has enjoyed a breakout season so far in 2023 to see his stock rise, with the Lions hopeful their trio of talls can remain on the park as they look to challenge for the flag.
Brisbane have also been linked with GWS free agent Harrison Himmelberg, who is another in-demand name that is holding off on contract discussions.
Himmelberg joins Ratugolea and the aforementioned McKay as the top line of off-contract key defenders, a pool which Port Adelaide will likely pursue.
The Power flagged their interest in Ratugolea will likely extend into this year shortly after their move for the Cats player fell through, while confirming last month they'll look to add key defenders through the off-season.
