Port Adelaide is reportedly against the idea of parting with first-round picks in exchange for wantaway pair Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.
Ratugolea, having elected the Alberton club as his destination of choice this off-season after requesting a trade away from Kardinia Park, is expected to make his way to South Australia this October.
The same is expected for Zerk-Thatcher, who is planning a Tullamarine departure this year.
Before the pair of key-position defenders can don Power colours, though, Port Adelaide needs to come to respective agreements with Geelong and Essendon on exchange prices.
While the Power doesn't currently hold a 2023 first-round pick, it possesses the ability to deal away future capital, specifically, its 2024 first-rounder.
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However, according toย SENย reporter Tom Morris, Port Adelaide's list committee isn't keen on offloading high-end capital in swaps for Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher.
"The club's position right now is that neither Esava Ratugolea nor Brandon Zerk-Thatcher are worthy of first-round picks," Morris said on Monday morning.
"I don't think that's a surprise for Zerk-Thatcher, but Ratugolea is an interesting one to negotiate."
Port Adelaide currently holds four selections for November's National draft: 37, 43, 72, and 90. The Power surrendered its first-round pick last off-season in its blockbuster acquisition of Jason Horne-Francis.
In addition to facilitating likely deals for Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher, Port Adelaide will also attempt to strike a trade with the Western Bulldogs for little-used ruckman Jordon Sweet.
Sweet, who hails from South Australia, has been starved of senior opportunities in the shadow of All-Australian ruckman Tim English, leading to the 25-year-old's decision last week to officially submit a departure request.
Sweet, Ratugolea, and Zerk-Thatcher will hope to be Port Adelaide players when this year's exchange window opens for business on October 9.
