The Jason Horne-Francis trade saga has shaken up the off-season's trajectory, with the top pick now in play to make his way back to South Australia in a move to Port Adelaide.
The talented teenager was known to be unsettled, but even a confirmed request to Alberton wasn't foreseen, at least in 2022 anyway.
The situation has left both the Roos and North to begin negotiations in what is sure to shape as one of the biggest deals in the AFL's history, with multiple first-round selections from Port Adelaide seen as the start to intense talks.
But if the Kangaroos were set to seek personnel as part of the discussions, who could be raised as part of these talks?
We take a look at five players North Melbourne might target in their trade talks for Jason Horne-Francis.
Probably the first name Brady Rawlings would've brought up in trade discussions with the Power, who are likely to have shot down any thought of parting with the emerging midfielder.
With a Victorian heritage, having been plucked out of the Western Jets with Pick 12 back in 2018, Butters would be among one of several Power players the Roos may attempt to pry back to their home state, much like the Power have with Horne-Francis.
The addition of Butters in a trade for Horne-Francis would come as quite the blow to Ken Hinkley's squad, but it would mean the Power are likely to hold some of the draft assets that are likely to make their way to Arden Street.
Butters would slot into a talent-rich midfield group at the Roos that is already home to the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin and Ben Cunnington, where he would immediately be placed in the club's top tier.
A young and ready-made talent is exactly what North Melbourne are after, and Butters comes as a perfect fit.
Would quickly answer North Melbourne's key-position forward needs, with the club desperately requiring a partner to first-string forward Nick Larkey.
Marshall enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022, emerging as arguably the league's best set-shot on his way to booting 45 goals from 21 games.
Like Butters, it seems extremely unlikely the Power open talks to involve Marshall, with their preference likely to hold out on Horne-Francis for another 12 months than part ways with a key piece of their system.
A Murray Bushrangers product, Marshall is another Power import that could consider a switch back to the east coast, but how highly Port Adelaide rate their young key-forward is sure to be a sticking point in any trade discussions.
If Marshall is off the table, Georgiades would be the next name raised by the Roos.
The young Power forward found his place in the Port Adelaide selection queue stunted this season due to the rise of Marshall's form and the arrival of Jeremy Finlayson from GWS.
Georgiades was still able to feature in 19 matches this year, however booted just the 23 majors - nine less than his 2021 tally.
The situation hasn't left Georgaides considering his options, but it has spiked interest from clubs like West Coast. Yes, the Eagles have the 'go home' lure, but it's certainly not out of the question for Georgiades to consider a move east over west, especially if the Roos can table a significant enough offer to the 21-year-old.
With his contract expiring at the end of next year, the Power may be open to parting ways with Georgiades this year as opposed to entering the unknown in 2023.
Having had his name tied to a potential Victorian return already this year has Bergman seen as a more realistic option to include in trade talks should Horne-Francis head the other way.
How highly both clubs rate Bergman is an interesting thought, with the Roos potentially asking for the young flanker on top of the two first-round picks that have been floated as the likely assets on the move.
But the Power may very well see things the other way, with Bergman's potential certainty warranting the replacement of an early selection in the two clubs' discussions.
Bergman's contract is currently set to expire at the end of next season, again being an asset Port Adelaide may be open to parting with this year instead of seeing greater power to the player in 2023.
Another Victorian product who finds himself plying his trade in South Australia, Duursma may see greener pastures in any contemplation of a move to Arden Street.
While the Roos won't exactly be a stronger contender right off the bat, Duursma is sure to gain greater opportunities with the Roos on the wing or in attack where he has flourished in his short time with the Power.
2022 saw Duursma battle both injury and form however, at times raising questions as to whether he is placed in Ken Hinkley's best 22 from next year.
The arrival of Horne-Francis would only see Duursma's place in the pecking order pushed back further, while an opportunity at North Melbourne could see the Foster native play out a full season if fit.
Given the Roos' likely place toward the top end of next year's National Draft, North Melbourne could look to pair Duursma with his highly-rate younger brother Zane at Arden Street.