Uncontracted Essendon tall Aaron Francis may be forced to wait to learn where his future lies after reportedly being told his signature is not a priority for Port Adelaide.
Within recent days the former top-10 draftee toured Port's Alberton facilities and conducted a medical examination, however, despite the South Australian's long-term desire to return to the City of Churches, the Power have other targets to tick off on their wish list.
According to reports from News Corp, Francis' eagerness to don the silver, teal, black and white runs secondary to Port Adelaide's chase of names such as Josh Dunkley, Junior Rioli and sparsely used Cat Francis Evans.
Currently back in South Australia, Francis spoke with reporters earlier in the week, stressing that although his crystal ball had few answers, a deal to return to the Dons was yet to arise.
“I’m not sure, I haven’t been offered a contract (at Essendon),” the 25-year-old told reporters.
“So we will see what happens.”
Having conceded an average of 74 points across the course of their 10-12 campaign, Port Adelaide are said to hold a desire to add to their defensive stocks.
And at 193cm, should the waterside team obtain the West Adelaide product's services, Francis would join Tom Clurey as the tallest option on Ken Hinkley's roster.
Port Adelaide are set to enter the draft holding picks 8, 52, 56 and 80.
Since debuting in Round 18 of the 2016 season, Francis has donned the sash on 54 occasions, averaging 0.87 contested marks per week across his tenure.
