Hawthorn captain James Sicily said he "would do the same thing" as West Coast skipper Oscar Allen after it came to light that he met with a rival coach.
Ironically, it was Sicily's coach, Sam Mitchell.
However, the Hawks skipper felt it would be remiss for any AFL not to explore his options, especially if they're a free agent.
And despite the optics of the situation that saw Allen and Eagles Head of Football John Worsfold front the media on Thursday following his secret meeting with Mitchell, Sicily believes there "no issue".
"I think it's a bit of a storm in a teacup, if I am honest, but that's the nature of the business right now," Sicily told reporters on Friday, according to Channel 9.
"A restricted free agent, to my knowledge โฆ if the offer is there, they can choose to accept it, there's no written rule because he's the captain, he's not a restricted free agent.
"I am talking broadly โ not in Oscar's situation โ that is bad business for the individual to not be seeing what is out there.
"I personally don't think it's an issue, that's maybe the new age opinion and view on things, I think it's foolish to not see what's out there.
"Would I do the same thing? I personally would do the same thing."
Despite being the captain of West Coast, Allen has a huge decision to make in 2025 as he weighs up his future amid heavy interest from Hawthorn, Brisbane and Collingwood.
Entering the final year of his contract and free agency, the 26-year-old has his options open, and Sicily, albeit remaining coy in front of the media, didn't stop at his interest in luring rival players.
"Would I love Oscar to come? Would I love any other player who is going to help us win? Of course," he said.
"Good players mean a better chance of winning, and I am not naรฏve to think this isn't going to happen to us.
"We have a number of young players who are playing good footy and they're going to be โ we're going to be โ in the same situation.
"They're going to be getting offered deals that are maybe 25 to 30 per cent more than what we can offer.
"But then it's about some reflection, 'okay what are we doing? How can we keep these guys here?'"
Allen spoke of his "remorse" on Thursday, but ensured the club and its fans that he is committed to making the Eagles better.
"I do feel remorseful towards our fans, staff, supporters," Allen said.
"I am going to continue my role as co-captain. Everyone feels like it's the right thing to do. I feel I'm still the right man to take this club forward.
"I addressed them this morning (playing group); it was difficult.
"I feel bad and ashamed in front of the boys. My actions have become a distraction this week, which is exactly what I don't want for this group. I addressed that, and now looking forward to the challenge this week.
"Clearly, I'm completely focused on the footy club. This is the first time I've gone through anything like this in my career."
