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Power determined to snare Ratugolea, keen on Soldo

3 minute read

Esava Ratugolea could be on his way to Port Adelaide at the second time of asking, while the Power are also in the market for Richmond ruck Ivan Soldo.

IVAN SOLDO.
IVAN SOLDO. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Port Adelaide are confident they can seal a deal for Esava Ratugolea the second time around, while also flagging their interest in Richmond ruck Ivan Soldo.

The Power tried and failed to snare key defender Ratugolea when he was under contract at Geelong last year, but the 25-year-old has again requested a trade.

Port on Monday traded next year's first round pick to Fremantle for the Dockers' second-rounder (currently pick No.23), which is expected to be on the table for Ratugolea, and a future second round pick.

They also confirmed Xavier Duursma, who is contracted until the end of 2024, has requested a trade to Essendon - which could help unlock their various moves.

Ratugolea is clearly a priority.

"Esava wants to get to us. We want him. There's a week and a half now to try and get a deal done," Power football boss Chris Davies said.

"Every club through this period can ask for whatever they want for their players.

"Last year it was maybe a little tougher in the fact that Esava was contracted, this year he's out of contract.

"That's a consideration for Geelong more than us. We think we'll put forward to Geelong something that's fair.

"But ultimately, that's in the eyes of the beholder."

Geelong have made it clear they will drive a hard bargain for Ratugolea.

"We'll keep the price to ourselves. It's up to Port Adelaide to try and do their thing," Cats football boss Andrew Mackie said.

"We've invested a lot into him; 25 years of age, key position, so it's up to them to work through what he's worth."

Port are also keen on Soldo, who is contracted until the end of 2024, but Davies said it wasn't clear whether that interest would be reciprocated.

"Ivan's one player who we think has the capability to be a No.1 ruck in the competition," Davies said.

"Whether he's going to have that capability or opportunity at Richmond is one matter.

"If he was to want to leave Richmond, we'd certainly be wanting to be in that conversation."

When asked about Soldo, Richmond's football talent boss Blair Hartley said: "Look, Ivan's contracted. We're intent on keeping him. So that's where it sits at the moment.

"We haven't had any conversations with Port Adelaide."

Davies has insisted Port also consider Bulldogs ruckman Jordon Sweet, who has requested a trade to Alberton, a potential No.1 ruck.

Port are looking to recruit Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher but it is unclear whether that would be linked to a Duursma deal.

Davies poured cold water on rumours vice-captain Ollie Wines was exploring his options away from Port Adelaide.

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