Melbourne has softened their stance on allowing superstar Christian Petracca to explore his options over the past 12 months to the point where Adelaide and Gold Coast are genuinely considering making a move.
Petracca, who is contracted until the end of 2029, was seen landing in Adelaide ahead of a suspected meeting with the Crows, while the Suns' links won't go away.
It is the second successive off-season that the 2021 Norm Smith medallist has been open to a fresh start, although it's the first time outside of Victoria.
The Demons have a right to deny any advances made by the pair of rivals if a deal isn't satisfactory.
But, in a world where we see Petracca on the move, what would a trade look like? We look at four offers that could interest Melbourne...
4. The picks and player package - Adelaide edition
Adelaide trade: Pick 14, Luke Pedlar, Luke Nankervis
Melbourne trade: Christian Petracca, Pick 54
Including the use of picks, the Crows do have a first-round selection that can be used as a bargaining chip to lure Petracca.
Pick 14 could hold the key to unlocking a deal, given Melbourne doesn't have a pick until the second round.
Luke Pedlar and Luke Nankervis are still key factors to a deal being met, and would help sweeten the deal.
Nankervis has played 31 games in the past three years, but was found outside Matthew Nicks' side for large amounts of 2025.
The potential acquisition by the Demons would free up Trent Rivers to a more prominent midfield role as well as fill the void left by Judd McVee.
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Once again – its next level victorian centric delusion!!
Pedlar, Soligo and Butts – for a 30 y/o, on massive coin, with injury concerns!
You literally couldn’t make this shit up!!