The word out of Gold Coast surrounding Bailey Humphrey was that he was untouchable.
But the news of Christian Petracca's desire to head to the Suns has reportedly softened their stance.
Humphrey, who is contracted until 2028, is quickly becoming one of the up-coming stars of the competition, claiming the club's best emerging player and finishing fourth in the best and fairest count, narrowly behind Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Touk Miller.
Melbourne will ramp up their bid to land Humphrey after the Petracca trad request to GC.
Collingwood believes it has sold the best future to the 21yo under McRae.
While the young gun is the big fish the Blues have been chasing - regardless of Charlie Curnow’s movements.
All… https://t.co/QV7M4GbfQT
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) October 3, 2025
However, despite Damien Hardwick's adoration for the Gippsland Power product, who plays in a similar vein to Richmond superstar Dustin Martin, reports have indicated that he "has an appetite" to leave Gold Coast.
"For me, I'm happy at the Suns at the moment. We'll see what the future holds," Humphrey said on Channel 7 on Thursday.
Humphrey acknowledged that his manager informed him of interest from Victorian clubs.
"From my manager, yes. But I haven't been approached by them (the clubs) personally or anything."
New Melbourne coach Steven King's fresh in the hot seat but he's already drawn a line in the sand. Clayton Oliver is now set for a new home in 2026, with King saying it's his way or the highway. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @XanderMcGuire7 @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/n12rg0N0zB
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 2, 2025
It is believed Collingwood, Carlton and the Demons are interested in luring the former Pick 6, with the latter the most likely given the Petracca links.
Melbourne is also into Suns midfielder Sam Flanders, who reportedly met with senior coach Steven King on Friday morning as he weighs up his future, with St Kilda and Essendon also coming hard.
The Suns' interest in Petracca will likely mean that the club will divert away from Carlton's Charlie Curnow, who has flagged an intention for a sea change.
Curnow has been courted by Sydney and Geelong, also.
This could further open the door for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to join Gold Coast.
