Melbourne's Trent Rivers is expected to request a trade away from the club, with West Coast and Brisbane looming as potential landing spots.
Rivers is contracted for next year, meaning a deal between the Demons and a suitor would need to be brokered for any move to occur.
The Eagles pose as the likeliest of options given he is from Western Australia, and the pull home could be enough for West Coast to make a play.
However, according to Channel Seven, Rivers' partner is from Brisbane, putting the Lions on the map.
The 25-year-old has played 140 games for the Demons since he debuted in 2020, and played in the club's drought-breaking premiership the following season.
Rivers' 2025 campaign was marred by persistent injuries and form woes, limiting him to 17 matches across halfback and through the wing.
If Melbourne were to part ways with the West Australian, he'd have trade capital attached to him, whereas if they wait 12 months, he could walk as a free agent.
Now to the Eagles, who are in desperate need of established talent to help accelerate the club's rebuild.
Rivers would slot straight into the midfield mix under Andrew McQualter, which has been few and far between at Melbourne under Simon Goodwin and Steven King.
The Eagles need to put support around Harley Reid and Willem Duursma, whilst also planning for life after Elliott Yeo and Tim Kelly.
As for Brisbane, they too can remain in contention by topping up their list with a player like Rivers, who has proven he can play across multiple lines.
The Lions are set to farewell Lachie Neale, who is expected to join Collingwood, while youngster Sam Marshall is bound for Victoria, with four suitors throwing their hat in the ring.
If Rivers were to attempt to join the Lions, he'd struggle to cement a spot in Chris Fagan's midfield, although given his versatility, he can play across multiple lines.
