Port Adelaide have reportedly emerged as a keen suitor for Brisbane ruckman Darcy Fort, while the Power's own ruck stocks have been a target for rivals as Collingwood have Scott Lycett on their own radar.
The ruck position firms as an area the South Australian club will potentially be looking to bolster through the coming off-season due to their current stocks in the middle, with the ageing Lycett their first-string option and in need of further support.
2021 Mid-Season Draft recruit Brynn Teakle had been utilised in defence before suffering a foot injury that has kept the 23-year-old out of action for an extended period of the season, while the young Dante Visentini made his debut last weekend against Essendon following a last-second injury concern for Lycett but will require further time to develop.
Fringe tall Sam Hayes is yet to play this year after making his debut and playing seven games in 2022, with Hayes now joining both Teakle and Lycett in coming off-contract this year.
The trio of expiring contracts will allow Port Adelaide to ponder their ruck stocks come this year's trade and free agency space, with Fort emerging as a target for the Alberton side, according toย 9 News Adelaide.ย
It is understood that the Power see Fort as an attainable ruckman that could immediately fill a list need and either work behind or alongside Lycett, who has reported interest of his own from Collingwood.
"It's no question that is probably the one area of weakness for the Power right now,"ย 9 Newsย reporter Josh Money said on Tuesday night.
"The club has enquired about Lions ruckman Darcy Fort, who is coming out of contract at the end of this year.
"The former Geelong big man has struggled for game time this year, playing just six matches and four of those have included being either subbed on or off.
"At 29 years old and standing at 204cm, the Victoria would be a ready-made recruit who could provide some much-needed support. Scott Lycett's injury this week has only further highlighted Port's ruck shortage.
"Lycett is out of contract himself and 9 News understands that Collingwood has asked about the former premiership Eagle."
Fort moved from Geelong to Brisbane ahead of the 2022 season after just eight games in three seasons at Kardinia Park, with the 29-year-old having featured in 24 matches for the Lions in his 18 months at the club.
While Fort played in 18 games last year, the South Barwon product has found opportunities harder to come by in 2023 as his contract nears its expiry.
Meanwhile, Collingwood's murmured interest in Lycett comes amid a season that saw their own ruck stocks depleted through the first 10 rounds, with Darcy Cameron, Mason Cox and Aiden Begg all sidelined simultaneously after the opening month.
Lycett is an unrestricted free agent in 2023 and wouldn't cost the Magpies any trade capital. The veteran tall played a key role in the 2018 Grand Final for West Coast, defeating Collingwood before making the switch to Port Adelaide.
