Port Adelaide is reportedly eager to secure the services of restricted-free-agent Kangaroos defender Ben McKay.
The Power, already performing adequately defensively after having just toppled the Western Bulldogs and their tall timber on Friday night, are apparently eyeing a succession plan for life after veterans Tom Jonas and Trent McKenzie retire, according to a report by The Herald Sun's Jon Ralph.
"[The Power are] significantly keen on Ben McKay, even though their backline is holding up quite well," Ralph said on Friday evening.
"They see a succession plan there with Tom Jonas, 31, and Trent McKenzie, 31. They have the cap space and feel like Esava Ratugolea will stay at Geelong."
Considering McKay's status as a restricted free agent, the Power would first have to sign the defender to an offer sheet and hope North Melbourne doesn't match, otherwise, a trade deal would have to be agreed to if McKay desperately wants out of Arden Street.
Following Ralph's report that Ratugolea is likely to remain in hoops, North Melbourne's McKay could be emerging as Port Adelaide's top off-season preference.
This latest report leaves the assumption that the Power will hold plenty of off-season dealings and negotiations, considering the Alberton club will also need to resolve Miles Bergman's contract situation, with a bevy of Victorian rivals circling the off-contract utility.
Provided neither McKay nor Bergman re-signs before the end of the season, the duo can explore their interstate options at the back end of the year.