It's hard to believe we're here, but Clayton Oliver's future at Melbourne is unclear despite his contract for the next seven seasons.
Stunning speculation has surrounded the prolific ball-winner over the past 24 hours, with the Demons now reported to be open to the idea of trading on their star midfielder if the right deal arises.
While all 17 rivalling sides would be keen on acquiring the 26-year-old this trade period, only some have the trade capital and list fit to suit a move.
So here we've looked at five clubs that could have a position for Oliver in their side and might even be able to satisfy the Demons.
Perhaps aside from their at-times undermanned defence, the Crows' next looming list fix comes from their midfield as they search for a third star piece to work in tandem with Jordan Dawson and Rory Laird.
Adelaide relied on the likes of Rory Laird, Sam Berry, Matt Crouch, Harry Schoenberg and Ben Keays for the role throughout different periods of this year but ultimately reached the end of their 2023 campaign without an answer.
Crouch's late form into the season will be something for Matthew Nicks to consider, but his strong six-game spell to see out the year can't be relied on to help steer this side back to premiership contention.
A move for Oliver would give the Crows the upper hand over most midfield groups with their star three-piece, and Adelaide could have the capital to satisfy the Demons at the trade table.
The Crows hold Picks 9, 21 and 24 for this year's draft as well as their future first-round selection for 2024, while Melbourne are already in talks to acquire Shane McAdam out of West Lakes this off-season.
After what we saw from the Cats this year, one thing they're after is midfield and contested grunt.
Geelong missed out on Essendon free agent Darcy Parish and were said to be keen on Western Bulldogs ace Bailey Smith, who also looks set to remain at his current club for the time being.
The Cats have somewhat of a gap in their midfield group, with veterans Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Blicavs and Cameron Guthrie working with youngsters Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn in the engine room, with Tom Atkins the man in the middle of the age demographic.
Oliver, at 26 years of age, could be the man to not only make the midfield his own at Kardinia Park but bridge the gap between their ageing onballers and emerging ranks, which include 2022 Pick 8 selection Jhye Clark, too.
The Cats have Pick 7 for this year's draft and could tempt the Demons into a trade by adding their future first-round pick into the mix, which could be another top-10 selection.
In Ross Lyon's final press conference of 2023 following his side's elimination final exit against GWS, the Saint coach made note that it needs to find greater support for captain and lead midfielder Jack Steele.
Whether he meant through internal development or external avenues, St Kilda would see Clayton Oliver as the ideal man to help not only Steele but the team itself as their new No.1 man.
As it can be expected, the four-time Demons best and fairest won't come cheap, with Melbourne likely after multiple top 10 selections or a trio of first-round picks to part ways with their star onballer.
The Saints currently hold Pick 12 for this year's draft and could partner that with their future first-round selection and/or the compensation the club received with the expected departure of free agent Jade Gresham.
Under the watch of Ross Lyon, Oliver could thrive in pulling on the red, white and black.
This one would ultimately rely on Oliver being open to the idea of playing for the Eagles this year. That is, if he's happy to depart the Demons in the first place.
But with Melbourne said to be looking to build a package that could land them Pick 1, they could go straight to the source with a deal that'll be hard for West Coast to ignore.
It'd be intriguing to see how both the Demons and Eagles view the value of Pick 1, or Harley Reid in this case, compared to a bonafide star of the competition and reigning two-time AFLCA Champion Player of the Year.
The Eagles will be wanting to keep themselves in the thick of the action toward the top of the draft order and might be keen on Pick 5 from the Demons, but Melbourne will be expecting something back if West Coast come calling for Oliver and their best draft asset.
Overall, it'll see the Eagles keep themselves active at the draft and have a star man to lead their rebuild while Melbourne pick up the top draftee at November's count.
The Swans have made it known they're after a stronger inside midfield presence, with targets of James Jordon and Paddy Dow more realistic and cheaper depth options to help build their midfield group.
But would Sydney put those plans aside and place their eggs in the Clayton Oliver basket?
The New South Wales side might not have the strongest draft hand, but they could put forward Pick 11 and 23 along with their future first-round pick to the Demons.
Another factor that would significantly depend on salary cap space, the Swans could also be prepared to pay a larger portion of Brodie Grundy's contract if the departing Demon's expected move to the Swans is currently set to see Melbourne chip in on some of his wages along with Collingwood.
The combination of Oliver, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom and Luke Parker in the middle of the ground at the feet of Grundy would put the Swans near the top for midfield cattle.