Ken Hinkley has given some insight into the transfer speculation surrounding two of his Port Adelaide players.
Chad Wingard’s name has been put forward as a possible trade option for this off-season while one big Victorian club is believed to have asked after the 25-year-old forward/midfielder.
WINGARD A REQUIRED PLAYER AT PORT
A more likely departure from the Power is Jared Polec who reportedly has a five-year $700,000, contract offer from North Melbourne in front of him.
Asked on SEN's Whateley if the club was planning to proactively trade any of their players this October, Hinkley said: “No, not so much aggressively trade any of our players but we will certainly look at all options.
“That’s something you have to do when you are stuck in that middle pack, you’ve got to be prepared to look at all options, we’ll certainly be prepared to look.”
Quizzed further on the recent rumours surrounding Wingard, the Power coach was non-committal.
“Without talking individuals, that’s probably unfair with any of the players,” he added.
“But from a list management point of view, we’ve got to look at all our options, and see what is available to us as a football club.”
Regarding the future of 25-year-old Polec, Hinkley said the Power remain waiting to see what happens in that space.
“We’re still waiting for an answer from Jared’s management,” said Hinkley.
“That’s what we are certainly waiting for. We all understand what the environment is in AFL football.
“We are not delusional to think that at this stage of the year that a player who hasn’t signed up is probably thinking about his options of moving.
“I’m sure Jared has a wonderful offer in front of him. I know for a fact he still has a real love of Port Adelaide Football Club but he’s in a situation that the modern game brings.
“It brings you a great opportunity financially and he’s looking at that.”
On the potential to put a high price on Polec’s head, Hinkley added further: “You have to.
“When you have one of the elite outside mids in the competition, if they are going to leave you.
“Jared Polec, if you look at his rankings, he’ll rank up alongside (Andrew) Gaff.
“They’re the best two outside mids in the competition by the numbers so (if) you lose one of the best, you’ve got to get a good return.”
Port Adelaide finished a frustrating season in 10th position on the AFL ladder with 12 wins despite having sat fourth with a record of 11-4 after Round 16.
Listen to Gerard Whateley’s chat with Ken Hinkley below: