Melbourne is hopeful free agent Tom Sparrow will re-sign with the club long term.
Sparrow was one of the Demons' best in Sunday's win over Richmond, gathering 27 touches, six clearances, six tackles, two goal assists and one goal.
It comes amid the midfielder's career-best season in the red and blue, which has garnered interest from rival clubs, including those in his home state South Australia.
Melbourne coach Steven King was quizzed on Sparrow's future.
"I know he's playing his heart out for us every week, I know how valued he is at our club and how much he means to us," King said.
"For me as a coach, I just want to provide an environment for my players to thrive and I feel like Tom is doing that. He's super important to us and I'd love him to stay ... I'm just glad he's proving to the footy world how valuable he is as a player.
"I've got my fingers and toes crossed that he chooses to stay with us being a premiership player, but I also understand the commercial side of the game as well.
"I'd love him to be a part of our club for the rest of his career."
Port Adelaide posed as the likeliest of destinations if Sparrow were to consider a switch away from Melbourne, but given Brisbane dual premiership player Zac Bailey is tipped to turn his back on Adelaide and free agency, the Crows may throw their hat in the ring.
Both clubs will look to bolster their midfield stocks for various reasons.
The Power are expecting Zak Butters - who suffered a high-grade syndesmosis injury in the loss to St Kilda and could miss the remainder of the season - is tipped to head to Victoria, with Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Richmond vying for his signature.
Butters' departure will open a vacancy in the midfield, as well as assist in luring Pick 1 fancy and father-son gun Dougie Cochrane.
Sparrow will cost Port Adelaide nothing, given his status as an unrestricted free agents.
As for Adelaide, they will be on the hunt for on-ball depth as Bailey is believed to be staying put.
