St Kilda and Essendon have quickly gotten into a bidding war over Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders, with reports revealing the staggering figures being put to him.
Despite being contracted until the end of 2027, Flanders is believed to be heading to Victoria, and after meeting a quartet of Melbourne-based clubs, looks poised for a fresh start.
The 24-year-old met with the Saints and Bombers, as well as Melbourne and Carlton.
But SEN's Sam Edmund revealed just how keen St Kilda and Essendon were in luring Flanders to their club.
"He's met with four clubs over the weekend - Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda and Melbourne," Edmund said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
"The money is massive. Five years by $900,000 at the Saints, who have put Pick 7 on the table.
"Even more money at Essendon, who have tabled their two picks in the 20s.
"He plays down here in Melbourne next year, absolutely, and he's blessed with choice."
Although the Suns would prefer to retain Flanders, a deal could help the Queensland club on multiple levels.
It has been well documented that Gold Coast have an influx of academy talent coming through the ranks, and could utilise the draft picks from the Flanders trade to match the high-end bids for Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson.
However, selections from the Saints and Bombers may also help in successfully luring trade prospects such as Charlie Curnow, Jamie Elliott and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Curnow has flagged an intent for a sea change, while Ugle-Hagan is largely seen to be departing the Western Bulldogs following a tumultuous 12 months.
Elliott has offers in front of him from Collingwood, but is weighing up a move north.
The 2025 free agency period will begin on Friday, October 3, while the trade period opens on Monday, October 6.
