A young Geelong forward has been flagged as the "perfect fit" for Port Adelaide as a potential trade piece in the Cats' play to lure Zak Butters to Kardinia Park.
Butters is set to decide between Geelong, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs as his next club after informing the Power of his decision to exercise his rights as a free agent this off-season.
Given his status as a restricted free agent, Port Adelaide can match a rival's contract offer and force a trade before demanding a loaded package of draft assets.
The Cats, who are viewed as the front-runner for Butters, are unlikely to have a top 15 pick for the coming drafts, and will need to strengthen their hand to help satisfy the Power in negotiations.
An asset the Power could target is young Geelong forward Jay Polkinghorne, who has kicked 13 goals in six games at AFL level since debuting in Round 19.
A product of South Australia, Polkinghorne could be a name the Power 'circle' in trade talks with Geelong.
"I have no idea what Geelong is going to be able to do to appease [Port Adelaide]," The Hitout's Mitch Keating said.
"Their first pick this year is probably close to Pick 20. Next year, you've got Tassie at the draft. They'd probably have to get into this year's draft again.
"But if I'm Port, I'm circling Jay Polkinghorne's name big time. Perfect fit, SA boy, young. Makes sense, right?
"If you want one of the best players in the comp, you've gotta give up something good."
Richmond looms as the preferred landing spot from a Port Adelaide lens given the draft selections the Tigers will possess for this year and 2027 at least.
With the Punt Road club carrying Pick 2 into the 2026 count and likely holding a top five pick next year, the Tigers are best placed to satisfy the Power in a trade deal.
"For Port Adelaide's sake, you'd hope he picks Richmond," The Hitout's Aidan Cellini said.
"They've got everything in their arsenal to help regenerate or rebuild Port Adelaide's list quickly.
"They'll still be down the bottom of the ladder and might use future picks to get Butters. So Port Adelaide could still get Pick 5 or 6 from Richmond over the next few years."
