Off-contract Port Adelaide defender Miles Bergman will reportedly prefer a move back to Victoria over recommitting with the Power.
Bergman has gained numerous reported suitors from Victorian, with St Kilda seen to be among the keen clubs given their interest in attracting Bayside talent to Moorabbin.
A product from Hampton, Bergman is enjoying a breakout 2023 campaign in defence under Ken Hinkley, ranking as one of the competition's best intercept assets.
The 21-year-old run of form, coupled with his contract status, is said to have piqued the interest of a multitude of Victorian clubs this year.
While Bergman is noted to be happy with life at Alberton, Triple M's Tom Browne has reported that the former first-round pick may prefer a return to his home state.
"Miles Bergman, a good intercept defender, there's a lot of interest from him from Victorian clubs," Browne told Triple M.
"Bergman is very happy at Port Adelaide, but I understand this week that he would prefer a return to Victoria at the end of the year, assuming an opportunity presents. I think that will present.
"It's well documented that he's delayed those contract talks. As I mentioned, very happy at Port Adelaide, but from a living perspective I think he's certainly interested in returning to Victoria.
"There'll be a whole host of clubs interested in Bergman."
Browne's report comes after AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey reported Essendon is expected to move for Bergman.
The Bombers could be among the busiest clubs come the sign and trade window this year, with star pair Mason Redman and Darcy Parish both unsigned for 2024 and eligible for free agency under the restricted band.
Redman has garnered reported interest from Adelaide, with the Bombers potentially looking toward Bergman as a trade target in the case Redman walks from Tullamarine.
Port Adelaide could be equally active come the off-season, with the South Australian linked to off-contract key defenders Esava Ratugolea and Ben McKay this year.