Geelong's last-ditch attempt to lure Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters to the club was aided by the use of star midfielder Bailey Smith.
In recent weeks, Smith and the Cats met with Butters, who is now believed to be the frontrunners among a chasing pack including the Western Bulldogs, Richmond and Collingwood.
According to a Channel Seven report, the speedy Cat was asked on the catch-up with the Power on-baller, to which he responded: "Meow".
Smith pushed the lifestyle and the future of the club to Butters.
The former Bulldog can speak from experience after exiting the Whitten Oval ahead of the 2025 season, and has played career-best football in the past two years.
Ironically, Smith's former club believes they are still in the hunt for Butters' signature, and coach Luke Beveridge says the club will explore every avenue to assist in their pursuit.
“There's rumblings. I mean, you're always working out what you can do,” Beveridge said on Fox Footy's AFL 360.
“You know, have you spent everything that you can? Not in regards to the dollar, but is there any more you can do?
“Is there another angle? (Like) With any player like Zak who you who you're really determined to bring in.
“Sometimes when you hear those rumours, they're valid. Other times, they're probably misdirected.
“We're not sure of the impact of that one, but it could be true, and we've got to continue to do what we can to see if we can bring Zak in if he makes that decision (to leave Port).”
The Pies and Tigers have tabled record-breaking offers, with Collingwood offering $1.8 million per season for eight years.
Butters, even if he leaves, will show incredible loyalty to the club.
Butters is not willing to be walked to the draft by a rival. Instead, the Power leader is adamant the Alberton club must be compensated if he leaves as expected, according to the Herald Sun.
The midfielder's restricted free agency status is tipped to force a trade between Port Adelaide and the midfielder's preferred destination.
