North Melbourne are reportedly keen on contracted Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines as the club looks to bring in experienced talent this off-season.
The Roos haven't hidden away from a potential plan to bring in senior players through this year's trade and free agency avenues, with coach Alastair Clarkson recently stating his desire to have experienced arrivals aid the club's young core.
"We need that sort of direction and leadership that will assist us, as well as that bracket of 25 to 30-year-olds is probably a little bit less than the depth in that area at other clubs," the four-time premiership coach said earlier this month.
"We'll look at that, but they need to be the right fit. We need to feel like they can come in and have the contribution on-field. It's not just bringing them in because they're good fellas or historically they've been good leaders at their previous clubs.
"We'll look at any mechanism possible that can help fast-track these players through our system, but that's more of an end-of-the-year type of thing."
Stars such as Scott Pendlebury and Luke Parker have been raised as perfect candidates to help Clarkson's cause, however it's Wines' name that has been tied to the Roos' off-season plans.
According toย AFL Mediaย reporter Cal Twomey, the Kangaroos are interested in bringing Wines to Arden Street despite his contract status at Port Adelaide.
Wines is tied to the Power until the end of 2026, with North Melbourne football boss Todd Viney potentially a key player in the Roos' moves given the close bond between the two families.
"We've spoken about who they could look at. Scott Pendlebury, Luke Parker, Callan Ward. One they do have interest in is Ollie Wines," Twomey toldย Gettable.ย
"My understanding is that they do have interest in Wines, who has two years to go on his deal at Port, so it would have to be a longer term offer to tempt him or even get him thinking about it.
"There is a link there with Todd Viney. The Viney and Wines families are very tight, dating back to their draft year of 2012.
"Would he want to leave Port? Or would they let him go? I'm not sure, but [North Melbourne's interested. They're also interested in a few others."
Wines remains an integral part of Ken Hinkley's midfield group despite falling behind young trio Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis in the engine room
The Brownlow Medal winner has found strong form this season after a drop in 2023, with Wines managing 26 disposals and two goals over the weekend against the Kangaroos.
The Roos would need to trade for Wines and would likely rely on their draft capital, with the club's current draft hand reading as Picks 1, 21, 39, 57 and 73.
Wines would be North Melbourne's second most experienced player if he were to join the blue and white, trailing only veteran wingman Liam Shiels for games.
