MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Brodie Grundy of the Magpies and Max Gawn of the Demons compete for the ball during the 2019 AFL round 12 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Port Adelaide are out of the race for contracted Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy, who is understood to be keen on remaining in Victoria over a potential return to his home state of South Australia.
Grundy has called Melbourne home since being drafted from Sturt to the Magpies in 2012, having built a decorated career in black and white across a decade.
But despite developing into one of the AFL's premier ruckmen and being tied to Collingwood until the end of 2027, Grundy's services are seemingly up for grabs this off-season.
Knee and ankle injuries have limited the 28-year-old to just six appearances this season, with his season already drawn to a close.
The Magpies have managed to strengthen their case for the premiership in 2022 in his absence, with duo Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox helping lead Craig McRae's side to a top-four finish.
His situation at Olympic park has only piqued external interest from rival clubs, with Melbourne, Geelong, Hawthorn, GWS and Port Adelaide linked to the dual Copelan Trophy winner.
In the latest twist in the pursuit of Grundy's services, 9 News Melbourne have reported that a return to SA is off the table, ruling the Power out of the race.
Grundy was reported to have met with the Power recently as he continued to assess his options beyond this year.
It is understood that the Demons are seen as the front-runners for Grundy following conversations between the reigning premiers and Collingwood.
A move to the red and blue would see Grundy partner with arguably the only ruckman that has bettered him in the last decade, Max Gawn.
Melbourne may see Grundy as a formidable replacement for young star Luke Jackson, who is seen destined to land at Fremantle this off-season.
Gawn and Grundy were both named in the 2018 and 2019 All-Australian sides, each earning a starting ruck spot and interchange role.
The Demons are likely to be hoping Collingwood are open to paying a portion of Grundy's contract across the next five seasons, given its value is estimated in the vicinity of seven figures per year.