Port Adelaide's Xavier Duursma is reportedly attracting rival interest from Essendon despite being contracted for 2024.
As per SEN reporter Tom Morris on Thursday, Duursma could be used as part of the trade which would see Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher end up at Port Adelaide.
Duursma was taken as a first-round pick in the 2018 Draft alongside Zak Butters and Connor Rozee, though hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that were placed upon him, nor has he progressed at the same rate as Butters and Rozee, who each had career years in 2023.
"The hard-working wingman has shown his running power and courage in the air but a club would need to trade for him given his contract having another season remaining in 2024," AFL Media journalist Cal Twomey said.
Port Adelaide GM of Football Chris Davies claimed he "can't see any reason" why Duursma would want to leave Alberton this year, adding he expects the midfielder to remain at Port Adelaide next season.
"I don't think there is any real reason for Xavier to leave the club. I think right now it is more likely than not that he will be playing at Port Adelaide next year," Davies told AFL Trade Radio.
"He definitely hasn't said that right now... but what the last 48 hours has shown is that different things happen. But right now I can't see any reason why X would be looking to leave the club."
Duursma played in 16 games this season, including in Port Adelaide's pair of finals appearances this year. However, form and injury problems made for an interrupted season, as he averaged 15.3 disposals, 1.6 clearances, and 4.2 marks for the 2023 campaign.
Given the Power's first selection at this year's draft is No.38, Duursma could play a crucial role in ensuring Zerk-Thatcher's trade request is fulfilled after it was revealed Essendon's price for the defender is a first-round pick.
Some have blasted Essendon's request, with commentator Kane Cornes saying "he's not worth a fifth-round pick," via AFL Trade Radio.
The AFL Trade Period commences on Monday, October 9, and ends Wednesday, October 18, with this year's period set to go down to the wire once again.