Kane Cornes sees Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel as a perfect trade target for Port Adelaide and believes it could be a win-win move for both clubs.
Shiel suffered a knee injury at the start of the year and in his absence, Jake Stringer broke out playing predominantly as a midfielder, as did Darcy Parish.
The side also already has an established star in Zach Merrett and one on the rise in Andrew McGrath.
Bombers great Matthew Lloyd described the predicament as an “elephant in the room” a few weeks ago, wondering whether Shiel had a place in the side’s starting midfield.
“That’s the big elephant in the room for the Bombers next year, where he fits,” Lloyd told Footy Classified.
“Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith, I think they take away from that midfield when they’re in there, I know you need depth.
“Those two came in on big deals and they gave up a lot to get them into the club, but I think they fall out of favour and that just shows the strength of the Bombers.”
Cornes sees Port Adelaide as a team that could use additional midfield depth, particularly players who can add speed and an ability to break lines.
“What I did think of for Port though, if there’s one are they need to strengthen up it’s their midfield,” Cornes told SEN SA Breakfast.
“I had a discussion with Matthew Lloyd the other night, and he keeps a pretty close eye on Essendon, and he suggested that Dylan Shiel isn’t in Essendon’s best midfield because of Darcy Parish and Jake Stringer, and Andrew McGrath coming back in.
“He thinks Shiel has been squeezed out.
“If you could convince Dylan Shiel, I know he’s had his injury worries and there’s a large contract there but you could get Essendon to pay some of that.
“There is a South Australian connection with Dylan Shiel because he’s engaged to (Port Adelaide premiership coach) Mark Williams’ daughter and a lot of their family lives in South Australia.
“Dylan Shiel is definitely someone for Port Adelaide that I would have a conversation with. He’s a star and he’s a great person.
“I know being contracted makes it difficult, but if I was Port Adelaide he’s one I’d look at to at least have a chat with.
“He’s not necessarily polished, but he’s power and speed and he compliments Ollie Wines, Travis Boak and Willem Drew who are more your inside guys. Shiel has the ability to get out of stoppage and penetrate and be a high metres gained player.
“I think he would fit in beautifully. Now, I don’t know if he’s open to a move, but he’s definitely one I’d have a look at.”
Shiel is contracted until the end of 2024, signing a six-year deal when he joined the Bombers from GWS.
Veteran Port midfielder Tom Rockliff recently announced his retirement, adding to their need for on-ball depth.