Port Adelaide's growing list of trade targets has seemingly hit Geelong and Essendon, with Cats forward Francis Evans and Bombers swingman Aaron Francis understood to be in the sights of the Power.
The Alberton club are already expected to land wantaway West Coast forward Junior Rioli after he toured the club's headquarters this week, while out-of-contract Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley has also been linked with Port Adelaide.
But it seems their list of potential acquisitions hasn't stopped there, with Ken Hinkley hoping to add further forward stocks in the form of Evans and the versatile Francis.
Evans is off-contract this year and remains on the fringe of selection at Kardinia Park, having played just seven games since joining the Cats in 2019, facing limited opportunities through both injuries and form.
According toย 9 News Adelaide'sย Josh Money, Francis has been tabled a multi-year offer from Port Adelaide, with the South Australian side seeing the young goalsneak as a potential replacement for the likes of departing pair Robbie Gray or Steven Motlop.
"9 News understands that there is a two-year offer on the table from Port Adelaide for Geelong's Francis Evans," Money revealed on Tuesday night.
"He was taken with Pick 42 by the Cats back in the 2019 draft but has struggled to break into the AFL side.
"He has played five games this year though, and is coming out of contract. Not a free agent, but Port believes it wouldn't cost them too much to land the 182cm forward.
"The 21-year-old isn't a South Aussie either, but Port is clearly searching far and wide to replace the retiring Robbie Gray and Steven Motlop."
Francis, who joins Evans in being unsigned for 2023, hails from SA after being recruited as a first-round selection at Essendon in 2015.
The 25-year-old is understood to be seeking a move out of Tullamarine, with a tour of Alberton already taken place, according to Money.
"Another name to watch is Aaron Francis," Money added.
"It's understood the former No.6 pick has had a tour of Alberton. However, at this stage there is no offer on the table, but the Bombers are open to trading the out-of-contract 25-year-old."
Francis has managed just the 54 AFL appearances for the Dons in seven seasons, struggling to cement his place at either end of the ground.
With neither Francis nor Evans free agents, the Power will have to agree to a trade for the pair, a situation they face with fellow targets in Rioli and Dunkley.
Port Adelaide are set to gain compensation for the loss of unrestricted free agent Karl Amon this off-season, with the wingman opting for a move to Hawthorn.
