Brownlow Medal winner Ollie Wines remains a player of intrigue a week out from the 2023 trade period deadline, with the belief there "could still be some oxygen" in a potential move for the midfielder despite Port Adelaide's desire to keep him.
Wines is contracted until the end of the 2026 season on a long-term, well-paid deal that was signed by the Victorian onballer in 2020.
That hasn't prevented the 29-year-old from being raised as a potential trade piece this off-season as the Power look to bring in up to four players through trading despite their limited draft hand.
The club has already seen contracted winger Xavier Duursma request a trade to Essendon to potentially help in negotiations between the South Australian club and the Bombers over a deal for Dons defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.
The Power are also keen on Geelong tall Esava Ratugolea and two ruckmen in Richmond's Ivan Soldo and Western Bulldog Jordon Sweet.
Port Adelaide are without a first-round pick for this year and next, having traded the latter selection earlier this week to Fremantle to bring in two second-round picks that could satisfy moves for multiple trade targets.
It might not be enough for the Cats as the Kardinia Park club sets a high price fro Ratugolea, with Wines a potential player of interest given Geelong's midfield needs and firm stance in negotiations.
Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies said earlier this week that while he couldn't categorically rule anything out, he was confident Wines would be at Port Adelaide in 2024.
"There wasn't anything in his agent's view that suggests he wants to leave Port Adelaide and nor do we want him to leave Port Adelaide," Davies said of the speculation surrounding Wines.
"I'm mindful of being categoric in a competition where it's really hard to be, but I could not be more forceful that Ollie doesn't want to go anywhere."
Speaking on the Tradies Podcast, 7 News reporter Mitch Cleary said Wines remains one to watch, with clubs in the premiership window potentially keen on the 2021 Brownlow Medal winner.
Cleary said he belives it's more likely Wines will remain at Alberton beyond this off-season, but rivals could throw "the kitchen sink" to lure him out of Port Adelaide.
"I just think there could still be some oxygen in Ollie Wines (moving from Port Adelaide)," Cleary said.
"I think he stays at Port Adelaide. I'm putting him on the whiteboard as a bit of a watch.
"What if someone threw the kitchen sink at him? Purely Geelong-wise, he would be their second most important midfielder next year, third maybe. At Port, right now, he's probably their fifth on this year's form at least.
"A first-rounder and something in the early 20s (could get a deal done). He could be a difference for a club in the window.
"I think in eight days' time when we're talking post-trade, he's still in Port colours."
Speaking in response, presenter Sam McClure said it would be "a gigantic risk" for a club to hand over two strong draft picks to take on Wines' contract following a season that saw his numbers drop due to injury concerns.
McClure added that Wines is no longer the player that was crowned as the competition's best two years ago, with his place in the Power's midfield group one example of why clubs need to be cautious if they do pursue a trade.
"Ollie Wines, at his best when he was dominating for Port Adelaide and getting Brownlow votes for fun, he's an unbelievable player," McClure said.
"The game has changed a fair bit since he won the Brownlow. He is not the player that he was. He's also starting to have a couple of problems with his body. He's not getting much of the footy."
"It would be a gigantic risk to give up some key draft capital and take on a huge contract for Ollie Wines.
"If I'm Port Adelaide and someone offers that, for sure I'm listening."
The 2023 trade period will run until 7:30pm on Wednesday, Ofyctober 18.