Depth Hawthorn ruckman Max Ramsden is reportedly being circled by rival clubs as a potential trade-in tall.
Ramsden - who was taken in the 2022 Mid-Season Draft and comes out of contract at the end of next year - has been forced to bide his time behind the likes of Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves, while forwards Mabior Chol and Calsher Dear have leapfrogged him.
Meek has quickly turned into one of the competition's brightest rucks, while coach Sam Mitchell's reluctance to go top-heavy in the front half means there's a limit on spots.
The soon-to-be 23-year-old has played five games in his career, debuting in 2023 before adding a trio of matches last year, including the Gather Roudn clash against Collingwood.
And although he's making tremendous progress, rival clubs are aware he may seek more opportunities elsewhere, according to AFL Media.
Clubs that would suit both his age and athletic profile could depend on the ruck-merry-go-round that could be stimulated by Tom De Koning.
If Carlton loses De Koning to St Kilda, you'd think they'd put their hand up for an emerging ruckman, especially given Michael Voss' reluctance to utilise Marc Pittonet.
Adelaide is in the market and has made their feelings known about bringing Essendon tall Sam Draper to the club.
If Draper were to entertain the move back to his home state, the Bombers could look to Ramsden for a depth option, pairing him with Nick Bryan.
Geelong's elongated search for a legitimate ruckman still persists, with Sam De Koning, Mark Blicavs, and Rhys Stanley all used in the role.
And Richmond, who despite Toby Nankervis' incredible form, would like to imagine life after their premiership ruckman.
