Adelaide are reportedly luring Gold Coast Suns' emerging ruckman, Ned Moyle, as a potential successor to their out-of-favour veteran, Reilly O'Brien, according to Fox Footy's Jon Ralph.
With O'Brien now 28 and perhaps past his peak, the Crows would be keen to bolster their ruck stocks during the upcoming trade period, having made their aggressive off-season approach known to the public eye.
Moyle, 22, has caught the eye of several AFL clubs, with Collingwood and Melbourne also showing strong interest.
The young ruckman has stepped up impressively in the absence of co-skipper Jarrod Witts, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Despite the external interest, it is believed Moyle wants to stay with the Suns. However, Witts' recent two-year contract extension means Moyle might need to weigh his options.
Gold Coast is bracing for Adelaide's sustained efforts not only for Moyle but also for versatile utility Jack Lukosius.
While Lukosius is inclined to stay with the Suns, it remains to be seen if Gold Coast wish to free up their emerging forward crop of Ben King and Jed Walter by making a move and opting not to retain both talents amid aggressive poaching attempts.
Adelaide's immediate need for ruck reinforcement was highlighted as fellow 28-year-old Kieran Strachan replaced the omitted O'Brien in their recent clash against Richmond, performing admirably.
Recent discussions have speculated whether Gold Coast's decision to rest Witts was strategically aimed at providing game time for Moyle.
Josh Jenkins, speaking on SEN Sportsday, suggested that the Suns are fully aware of the quality they have in Moyle and are preparing for the fight to retain him.
"Teams are going to come hard for Ned Moyle. He's a very, very good ruckman, he's very aggressive, and he's from Victoria. So, they're going to have a fight on their hands to keep him," Jenkins remarked.
Moyle's performance this season has been noteworthy. In Round 2, he stepped up as the primary ruck against the Western Bulldogs, recording 14 disposals, 25 hitouts, four clearances, and even booting a major.
Gold Coast, gearing up for their Round 13 clash against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, have named an unchanged lineup, with Moyle once again taking charge in the ruck.
The Suns aim for their first away win of the season, and Moyle's performance will be scouted.