Collingwood is becoming increasingly wary of the increased value of Gold Coast's prized Pick 13 that is central to securing Dan Houston from Port Adelaide.
The Pies are in mediation with the Power and the Suns over an array of deals that will ultimately send Joe Richards to South Australia and John Noble to Queensland.
In return, Collingwood list manager Justin Leppitsch is hoping to land Houston, while a smattering of picks will be exchanged in the process.
Complicating matters is the fact that North Melbourne and Carlton's interest in the two-time All-Australian hasn't waned, with the latter recently landing a first-round selection from Hawthorn in a confirmed pick swap.
However, the Pies are confident of getting their man but understand it takes time to work out all the machinations.
"We're hoping to get it done, but it's not going to be easy. That's the difficult part, getting everyone happy on the deal," Leppitsch told AFL Trade Radio on Friday.
"We've got all these players involved, who are all contracted and can stay at their own homes, so I guess everyone is holding the card where they can keep that particular player.
"I'm not sure … we're a little bit different because Dan hasn't nominated a club, so it's not like he's definitely coming to us, whereas John (Noble) has got a destination he wants to go, and Jack Lukosius knows where he wants to go."
However, the increased interest in the Suns' first-round selection (Pick 13) has complicated the deal.
"It is getting complicated and messy at stages, so there is a lot to work through," Leppitsch added.
"At the start, pick 13 was just going to be an easy part of the deal for Nobes, along with other things, of course.
"But now, given the fact it comes a number of other clubs wanting it, Gold Coast probably realises the value it actually has, it unlocks probably more value than what it actually is. Whoever gets a hold of it can do a lot of things with it. Hence why, it's more than just that pick."
The Pies are also conscious of their 2025 draft hand, which will likely need to consider landing father-son selection Tom McGuane (son of Mick) as a potential first rounder.