West Coast are said to have some level of interest in fringe Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey as they prepare to enter a busy off-season.
The Eagles loom as a key player in this year's player movement market, having been tied to a number of Western Australian players from other clubs while having their own talent tied to potential moves elsewhere.
Two players who have been linked to Victorian clubs are key defensive duo Tom Barrass and Harry Edwards, with the latter still unsigned and having his future potentially rely on Barrass' pending call.
Barrass is contracted until the end of the 2027 season but is said to be in the sights of Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, with the premiership defender needing to make a decision on his future in WA while the Eagles would also need to be open to parting ways with their 2022 John Worsfold Medal winner.
If Barrass was to depart, his exit would only increase the club's reliance on Edwards, who is said to have a suitor in Melbourne, and others, as his future remains unsettled.
With both tall defenders on the radar of rivals, West Coast might be forced into dipping into the key backman market to stabilise their stocks for 2025 and beyond.
According toย Gettable'sย Cal Twomey, Clurey is one name who is being linked to the Eagles as he ponders a potential Alberton departure.
"A key defender the Eagles have some interest in, and this could be a bit of pre-planning as well if Tom Barrass leaves... I'm just keeping an eye on Tom Clurey at Port Adelaide," Twomey said.
"He's a veteran who has another year to run at the Power. But like last year, he's looking for opportunities at a new home. He's played one game in the past two seasons for the [Power].
"I think he's being looked at as an option for the Eagles, so just keep an eye on that one. He could potentially step in and play a role for them and comes at a very bargain/basement price."
Clurey has not played at AFL level this year and was kept to just the sole appearance in 2023, with his season brought to an abrupt close due to a a herniated disc in his back.
The Victorian explored his options last off-season but did not find a new home, with the 30-year-old happy to see out his contract at Port Adelaide and continue to press for a recall through a new position.
Speaking toย Zero Hanger earlier this year, Clurey spoke on his ambitions to get back to full fitness and press his case for a senior role under Ken Hinkley for the years to come after failing to find a new club.
"There were some conversations had around the unknowns of my body and future and all of that, but nothing eventuated during the trade period. I'm happy to still be here, I've been here a fairly long time now," Clurey revealed in February.
"We definitely explored options, and the club wanted me to explore my options. There were talks through that period, it was a bit of a crazy period really as I've never kind of been through that. There was a bit happening but nothing eventuated, and I'm happy to be here in my 12th year.
"Getting my body right is my No.1 focus. I've put myself in a good spot at the moment. It is very exciting at the club, to see some of the younger players that have come through, over the next couple of years, and then the next five years, there's a big future here. So I'm keen to hang around and I want to be part of every minute of it."
Clurey was utilised on the wing over the pre-season and has slotted into his more traditional role in defence at the SANFL level this season to average 17.1 disposals, 6.7 marks, 4.6 rebound 50s and 2.1 tackles per game for the Port Adelaide Magpies.
