Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines says his teammates would consider taking salary cuts to get Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett to Alberton.
The 2020 minor premiers have expressed an interest in recruiting the dual Crichton medallist, The Age yesterday reported.
Out of contract at the end of the year, Merrett is a restricted free agent. The 25-year-old has played 146 games in red and black.
“He’s a quality player, we’d love to have him,” Wines told Sportsday.
“Our midfield is built from guys who probably aren’t the most polished players, myself included. I probably lead that contingent.
“Another silky mid coming into the frame would be nice.”
The Power possess a strong engine room, with Wines lining up next to former captain and 2020 All-Australian Travis Boak and hard-nosed utility Dan Houston at stoppages.
Merrett would bring a different dimension, with his dash and distribution reflected in averages of 30 disposals, 454 metres gained and 4.5 score involvements through four games.
“We’re always looking to build our list,” Wines continued.
“We’ve created a great club, a lot of interstate players want to come here and stay here so I’m sure we could be a bit of an attraction.”
The 26-year-old says his teammates would entertain a collective salary hit to get another star in the door, after Aliir Aliir and Orazio Fantasia signed at the end of 2020.
“I think we’re at the stage as well - moreso my age and up - of our careers where we’re as hungry as ever to win a premiership,” he explained.
“If that takes sacrificing some of your salary, we’d probably sit down and talk about it.
“To make our team the best we can be, and be up there competing for (the premiership), sometimes you have to make those sacrifices.”
Port Adelaide currently sit fourth on the ladder with a 3-1 record, ahead of a clash with Carlton at the MCG on Saturday night.