Port Adelaide could deepen the rivalry with Adelaide as it prepares to do its "due diligence" on dual Brisbane premiership player Callum Ah Chee.
The utility expressed his desire to be traded to the Crows after a second consecutive flag, but discussions broke down throughout the trade period that ultimately left the 28-year-old in no man's land.
As a result, Ah Chee will go through the pre-season draft, which can be a mechanism for a rival to swoop, if they convince him.
Power list manager Jason Cripps said the club had no intention to consider Ah Chee as a trade target, but said the club was open to having that conversation.
West Coast Eagles list manager Matt Clarke, on Wednesday night, effectively ruled out a play for Ah Chee with their number one selection in the pre-season draft.
"We'll no doubt have the discussion internally, whether we see that as a viable option for us. We'll no doubt have to also have a conversation with (Ah Chee's manager) Ben Williams," Cripps said Thursday on AFL Trade Radio.
"We haven't had any previous discussions with Ben or Callum. He wasn't a priority for us. We've obviously got a plan in place and some strategies in place around draft and player acquisition and target players. And obviously, retention is going to be pretty important for us over the next couple of years, also.
"But sometimes when the opportunities pop up that you weren't expecting, I think we need to do our due diligence and explore that a little bit further to see whether it's a realistic option for us without impacting future planning and strategies that we have in place."
Ink Sports Management's Ben Williams, manager of Ah Chee, criticised Brisbane for not getting a deal done, given the move has been widely anticipated for an extended period.
"Zero chance," Williams said when asked whether Ah Chee will return to Brisbane.
"He's leaving, he's committed to the Adelaide Footy Club.
Callum Ah Chee is still expected to become a Crow despite the club failing to secure a trade for the dual premiership Lion. https://t.co/OvUaFQwBns #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/5CFGfa53CS
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) October 16, 2025
"Adelaide used the best endeavours to facilitate a trade – it wasn't to Brisbane's liking, so the only avenue for Cal to get there is through the pre-season draft, and that's what he'll do.
"We'll pick up the player welfare pieces after this and then concentrate on getting to Adelaide."
Adelaide List Manager Justin Reid reiterated that the Crows remain committed to Ah Chee.
"I don't think we let him down; we put our best foot forward with a fair and reasonable deal, which is out there publicly already," Reid said.
"We're disappointed for Cal and his family, but he's committed to us and we're committed to him, so unfortunately, we'll have to take the long route now, but that's the way it goes."
The Crows do have an opportunity to restructure Ah Chee's contract to deter their arch rivals from making their pitch.
"We'll certainly look at that between now and the end of October. But, yeah, we'll be very consistent and aggressive with how that looks. Again, when you can't speak to someone or have a medical, it's very hard to make decisions," he said.
The 2025 Telstra AFL Pre-Season Draft will be held on Friday, November 21.
