The trade landscape significantly shifted this week following the re-signings of in-demand pair Mason Redman and Tom De Koning at Essendon and Carlton respectively, with the clubs keen on the pair now needing to look elsewhere.
Adelaide were seen as the leading rival to try and pry Redman out of Tullamarine, with their pursuit unsuccessful as the fiery defender inked a five-year extension in turning his back on free agency and the Crows' advances.
De Koning had suitors from as many as four clubs this year, with the emerging ruck-forward talent murmured to be of interest to the likes of St Kilda, Sydney, Geelong and Essendon this year as sides look to bolster their key position stocks.
De Koning's name was among many to be placed on the "ruck merry-go-round" that has been spinning across the past several off-seasons, with the Blues managing to sew up their own ruck tandem for the future with De Koning's two-year extension following the prior retention of Marc Pittonet on a four-year deal earlier this year.
The Blues' big re-signing was followed by Brisbane's own move to lock up fringe ruckman Darcy Fort this week, with the Lions' tall extending his deal until the end of 2025 amid reported interest from Port Adelaide.
The Power are said to be placing some level of attention toward Melbourne recruit Brodie Grundy this year given the two-time All-Australian's current position as a VFL ruckman for the Demons.
Port Adelaide lost out to Melbourne in the race for Grundy last year, however the experiment to match the star ruckman with skipper Max Gawn hasn't gone to plan for coach Simon Goodwin.
Grundy's demotion to the VFL has sparked rumoured interest in Grundy despite his contract status until 2027 - a deal that was initially signed during his time with Collingwood.
With the likes of De Koning and Fort off the table, rivals interested in adding to their ruck stocks this year are now likely to look toward Grundy, while Richmond's Ivan Soldo has been flagged as "one to watch".
Soldo has had a resounding impact for Andrew McQualter in the absence of suspended captain Toby Nankervis as Richmond's leading ruck option, with the contracted premiership Tiger tipped to be in the sights of rivals.
Richmond allowed Soldo is weigh up his future last year amid interest from GWS, however the 27-year-old opted to stay at Punt Road.
According toย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, Soldo could emerged as a trade target for rivals like the Saints, Swans and Cats as they look to add to their ruck stocks.
"Tom De Koning's recommitment leaves St Kilda, Sydney and Geelong still looking for a ruckman," Cleary toldย Channel 7.ย
"The ruck merry-go-round is about to really ramp up. Brodie Grundy's name will emerge, he's got four years left at Melbourne. Port Adelaide are expected to show strong interest in Grundy being a South Australian.
"One other to ponder as the year progresses is that of Richmond premiership ruckman Ivan Soldo. He's impressed in recent weeks with Toby Nankervis out of the team.
"The Tigers let him look around last year, he stayed but he could be one to watch as the year progresses."
Other ruckmen currently unsigned for 2024 include Western Bulldog Jordon Sweet, young Bomber Nick Bryan, GWS pair Braydon Preuss and Matt Flynn, and Port Adelaide trio Scott Lycett, Bryn Teakle and Sam Hayes.
