Geelong veteran Sam Menegola's name was reportedly raised during intense deadline-day talks among a trio of clubs on Wednesday.
The final day of the trade period saw 10 players find new clubs, with several players surprising ending the exchange window in new colours.
Jaeger O'Meara, Sam Weideman and Josh Schache were among those that were involved in trades after 11th-hour interest, but none came as more of a surprise than Lachie Hunter's trade to Melbourne.
Hunter, who was contracted until the end of 2024, wasn't seen likely to depart Whitten Oval in the early hours of Wednesday, however momentum grew as the 7:30pm deadline neared.
But Menegola might've pipped Hunter as the most shocking switch, with the 30-year-old's part of trade talks on Wednesday, according to reporter Tom Browne.
Menegola, who is signed to the Cats until the end of next year, is said to have been mentioned among negotiations between Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle.
"A name that did come up yesterday, I'm not suggesting Geelong want to move him on or he wanted to go, but I know that Sam Menegola's name was raised as part of discussions with Fremantle and the Bulldogs yesterday," Browne told Triple M.
"Just one of those players who's a good player that can't obviously in the end of the season or towards the end the season (that) couldn't get a game following injury with the Cats.
"That happens in premiership sides."
The Dogs and Dockers had held talks throughout this week over a deal that would see Rory Lobb head to the Kennel, with negotiations continuing to hit roadblocks before an agreement was eventually brokered on deadline day.
It's possible Menegola may have been raised as a potential option for Fremantle, who have been previously linked to the wingman in the past.
Menegola was even listed at Fremantle for three years before being delisted in 2016.
The wingman missed out on a spot in Geelong's grand final last month, having battled injury and form to be limited to just the seven appearances at AFL level this year.
