One club is reportedly out of the running to trade for demoted Melbourne ruckman Brodie Grundy this off-season.
Port Adelaide and Sydney were considered the two most interested potential acquiring parties for the ex-Magpie, who remains out of Simon Goodwin's senior side as it prepares to play a semi-final against Carlton on Friday night.
However, despite the pair's apparent interest in Grundy, Port Adelaide has removed itself from contention, according toย SENย reporter Tom Morris on Wednesday morning.
Instead, it now appears the Swans striking an agreement with the Demons for Grundy 'should' be 'a formality' when this year's exchange period commences in early October.
Grundy's contract expires at the end of the 2027 season, with the ruckman now expected to play in the Harbour City for the long term despite hailing from South Australia.
Port Adelaide is officially out of the Brodie Grundy race. No bad blood, but club & player had different perspectives.
One or more of @sydneyswans 2x second rounders + 2x third rounders should make this deal a formality in October.๐https://t.co/K1joVTKO4k@1116sen pic.twitter.com/hMo37ykqxf
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) September 13, 2023
According to Morris' report, following a meeting with Port powerbrokers, Grundy preferred the 'work-life balance' of playing in Sydney rather than Alberton. However, there are apparently 'no hard feelings' between the two sides.
It was also revealed on Wednesday morning that off-contract Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has expressed a desire to be traded to the Power this off-season, following weeks of speculative conjecture.
He joins Geelong backman Esava Ratugolea in nominating Port Adelaide as his destination club of choice this year, with the 2023 trade period set to commence on October 9.
The Power's first pick in the National Draft is currently No. 37, which is likely to drift into the 40s by draft night.
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