Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius has admitted he came "very close" to joining Adelaide instead of the Power.
Lukosius planned for a move back to his home state of South Australia this year despite having two years to run on his contract, with open talks with Gold Coast paving the path for the athletic forward to find a new home at the end of the 2024 season.
The Woodville-West Torrens product had significant interest from both the Crows and Power, with Lukosius eventually settling on the latter after meeting with both parties.
The decision came down to the wire for the 24-year-old, who was an Adelaide fans growing up but had strong links to the Power through close mate and Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee.
Speaking on Wednesday, Lukosius said he came close to picking the Crows but ultimately landed on their cross-town rivals as he saw himself as a better fit under Ken Hinkley.
"I was very close with both clubs," the Henley junior said.
"They both pitched very impressively and I thought I'd fit in at both. It was an incredibly tough decision and making the phone calls to both clubs wasn't an easy few hours.
"But I'm grateful I've ended up here and now it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.
"[The decision came down to] what's going to suit me and my career. I want to be a part of something that is pretty special and I can have a crack at playing finals. I thought I could add to this group the most.
"Just with how settled the club is, they've got a great balance of older and younger guys. The direction they're going is really exciting."
The decision to leave the Suns after six seasons wasn't an easy call either, with Lukosius having held hopes he would play a part in snapping the club's finals drought.
The 116-gamer said the club were ready to go in another direction despite his contract status, with Lukosius understanding of the Suns' plans after a frustrating year.
"It was a bit of a journey. This season I was very committed to the Gold Coast and didn't want to talk to any other clubs," he said.
"I wanted to keep fighting to play my best footy and achieve success there. It didn't happen until very late when speaking to some very important people in my life that a move might suit my footy and the rest of my career.
"I gave my all, unfortunately it didn't end up being a successful time up there. I just felt like I was at a time in my career where I couldn't afford to take too many backward steps.
"We had a pretty open chat in my exit (interview). They said the way they play might not suit my strengths and the way I play. The wanted the best for me as a footballer and the best for them as a club."
Lukosius joined the Power in a three-club, five-player trade that saw Gold Coast teammate Rory Atkins and Collingwood speedster Joe Richards also join Port Adelaide.
The Power gave up Dan Houston, Picks 39, 58 and their 2025 first-round selection in the deal while also acquiring Picks 13, 29, 36 and 50.ย
