Geelong are reportedly ramping up their push for contracted West Coast forward Jake Waterman, with the Victorian club reportedly planning to table a long-term deal to try and lure the Eagles sharpshooter to Kardinia Park.
The Cats and Melbourne have been identified as clubs with interest in the 26-year-old, who has another season to run on a contract signed in the second half of last year.
Waterman has enjoyed a breakout season in the royal blue and gold this year after battling with serious health concerns through the second half of 2023.
The Perth product has booted 44 goals from his 16 games this year to sit fourth on the Coleman Medal leaderboard despite missing matches three through injury.
Waterman's rise as one of the competition's best forwards this year has piqued the interest of clubs, with the Cats and Demons hopeful of having the 192cm aid their forward-half structures.
Melbourne have continued to search for their preferred attacking contingent, while Geelong will soon step into an era without their all-time games record holder Tom Hawkins.
According to The West Australian, the Cats are preparing a long-term offer for Waterman as they look to satisfy the Eagles forward, who is reportedly on less than $500,000 per season on his current deal.
The Cats could have wiggle room in their salary cap beyond this season as nine players from their 2022 premiership side hit free agency, including Hawkins, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Henry, Jake Kolodjashnij, Brandan Parfitt, Zach Tuohy, Jed Bews, Mitch Duncan and Rhys Stanley.
Waterman would not only look to take the baton from Hawkins and look to work in tandem with Coleman Medal winner Jeremy Cameron, but would likely step into the first-string role once Cameron too eventually calls time on his career.
The Cats have youngster Ollie Henry as another option for the long haul, while ruck-forward Shannon Neale is continuing to show signs this year.
Any move for Waterman would require a trade between the Cats and Eagles, with a first-round draft selection likely to be needed to get a deal done. The Cats' opening selection for this year's draft currently sits at Pick 13, while Geelong are also keen to lure Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith to the Cattery and can be expected to pass on a first-round selection to the Dogs also.
West Coast have plenty of deals to work through themselves, having interest in Richmond's Liam Baker and Dogs tall Tim English, while the Bulldogs have their sights on Eagles star Tom Barrass along with Hawthorn and Collingwood.
Barrass and Baker trades would include first-round draft picks, while English can leave the Kennel as a free agent, but falls under the restricted band and could also be traded if the Dogs match West Coast's offer.