PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Scott Lycett of the Eagles and Sean Darcy of the Dockers contest the ruck during the round 20 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on August 5, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Out-of-contract West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett has nominated Port Adelaide as his preferred destination for 2019, according to a report by Fox Sports' Tom Morris.

It is believed that Port Adelaide have edged out St Kilda in the race for Lycett on a long-term deal.

While West Coast do have the right to match any offer for Lycett given he is a restricted free agent, they have reportedly come to terms with him leaving some time ago, hence their interest in rival ruckmen, including St Kilda's Tom Hickey and Bulldogs Jordan Roughead and Tim English.

It appears that the Dogs are unwilling to part with English, while Roughead is a restricted free agent. Acquiring Hickey would have to be done via a trade given the 27-year old is contracted until the end of 2019.

Lycett is from South Australia and provides the Power with long-term insurance in the ruck to cover for veteran Paddy Ryder's injury concerns.

The 25-year old's impending departure may free up salary for the Eagles to throw at off-contract star Andrew Gaff, who is reportedly weighing up a mega long-term deal from North Melbourne.