Essendon chasing Suns ruckman for a potential Paddy Ryder replacement.
Essendon has shown an interest in recruiting Gold Coast ruckman Daniel Gorringe as it looks to fill the void likely to be left by Paddy Ryder.
The Bombers are understood to be in the market for a ruckman, with Gorringe considered a possibility.
The 22-year-old is contracted with the Suns to the end of next season, but has requested a trade to Port Adelaide for more senior opportunities.
However, with Ryder also seeking a trade to the Power, the Bombers are believed to be on the lookout for another ruckman, having also been linked to Greater Western Sydney big man Jonathan Giles.
Gorringe has played 20 games in four seasons at Gold Coast, having suffered setbacks with hamstring, ankle and Achilles injuries.
The Bombers will need to trade for Gorringe, who was taken at pick No.10 in 2010.
Ryder is intent on moving to the Power, despite coach James Hird's assertion on Tuesday that the club would not budge unless a strong deal was produced.
"If a player wants to leave, then we'll look at that opportunity for them to leave but it would have to be a good deal for us, otherwise Paddy will stay an Essendon player," Hird said in a club video.
"The supporters love Paddy Ryder, I think the club has a genuine strong affection towards Paddy and we think we got some really good football out of him over the last few years so we are keen for him to stay.
"But if an opportunity comes up with another club that is good for our club, we will look at it but, otherwise, he is a required player."
Ryder is one of five possible departures for the Bombers with Elliott Kavanagh and Kyle Hardingham expressing an interest in moving on and Jason Winderlich keen on continuing his career at Richmond.
The club and Leroy Jetta have already agreed to part ways.
North Melbourne players deliver our 2025 AFL fixture ... with a twist
05:51
Watt on landmark WA deal, Tasmania exit
North Melbourne CEO Jen Watt spoke to reporters outside Optus Stadium on Wednesday to discuss the club's arrangement to play two home AFL matches in Western Australia from 2025
North Melbourne to mark club's Centenary in VFL/AFL
The North Melbourne Football Club will celebrate 100 years in the VFL/AFL competition in 2025, culminating in a signature home game against Geelong in Round 20
2025 AFL FIXTURE: Every match, every opponent, every venue
Here's who the Kangaroos will face in AFL season 2025
LISTEN: Caleb Daniel on RSN
Listen to all the latest interviews with North Melbourne players, coaches and staff
Interview
Interview
'Am I good enough to be here?': The hard-earned rise of Ruby Tripodi
How Tripodi transformed herself from a pinch-hitting forward into a hard-bodied inside midfielder