West Coast are making Port Adelaide and premiership ruckman Scott Lycett sweat over their proposed AFL free agency deal.
Port have made a five-year offer to Lycett, who is a restricted free agent.
The Eagles have until early Tuesday afternoon to decide whether they match the offer, which is their right because of Lycett’s restricted status.
If they match Port’s bid then Lycett either must stay or go into the draft.
The Eagles need a ruckman, given Nic Naitanui will miss a large chunk of next season as he returns from his knee reconstruction.
West Coast are looking at Western Bulldogs’ Jordan Roughead and St Kilda’s Tom Hickey but football boss Craig Vozzo said they might also match Port’s bid for Lycett.
“Obviously, we need a ruckman. It’s certainly something we need to consider,” he said.
Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch was also a restricted free agent.
The Eagles decided against matching Richmond’s seven-year offer to Lynch, instead receiving the No.3 draft pick as compensation.
That deal was confirmed as the trade period opened on Monday.
The Eagles are key trade players, with star midfielder Andrew Gaff already deciding to stay at the club.
They are also negotiating with Geelong for a deal that would bring Tim Kelly back to his home state for family reasons.
After Kelly’s outstanding debut season the Cats are putting a hefty price on him.
Recruiting boss Stephen Wells confirmed on Monday that they want a first-round pick for Kelly.
Fremantle also have some big deals brewing with GWS ruckman Rory Lobb keen to join the Dockers.
Star Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan is yet to confirm whether he wants a trade to Fremantle.