Adelaide's acrimonious split with Jake Lever threatens to drag on through the AFL trade period that starts on Monday.
Lever's future will be a hot topic of conversation when AFL clubs convene at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne for the first round of official trade meetings.
The awkward break-up between the Crows and Lever hit a new low on Friday when the star defender was told not to show up at the club's best-and-fairest count.
Fourth-year onballer Matt Crouch won the Malcolm Blight Medal, while eyebrows were raised when Lever failed to finish in the top 10.
Lever confirmed on Tuesday he wants a trade to Melbourne, where he is expected to sign a lucrative four-year deal, after plenty of speculation about his future throughout the season.
The Demons' first and second round picks (10 and 27) are on the table in return for Lever but Adelaide want two first-rounders, which could lead to an extended face off between the two clubs.
The Crows are an unwilling central figure in trade period proceedings, with Charlie Cameron also seeking a trade to Brisbane for family reasons.
But the speedster is contracted for next season and Adelaide could hold up other trades if they rebuff the Lions and stick to their guns over Lever's worth.
Jack Watts could prove an unwitting circuit breaker in dealings between the Crows and Melbourne.
The former No.1 pick has attracted interest from Port Adelaide, Geelong and Sydney since the Demons put him on the trade table.
The draft pick or picks Melbourne receive for Watts could give them more ammunition to get a deal done for Lever.
The draft picks gained from the losses of Lever and Cameron could allow the Crows to take another run at luring Carlton star Bryce Gibbs after last year's failed attempt.
Essendon also loom as a key player at this year's trade period with Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad all understood to be keen on fresh starts at Tullamarine.
But the Bombers - whose first three picks are 11, 28 and 46 - are widely regarded as difficult trade partners, which could increase the chances of trade period stalemate.
Former No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis is keen on a move home to South Australia and while Essendon are keen to keep the contracted utility, his departure could help them land the talented trio.
Other things to look out for at this year's trade period include the future of Gary Ablett, Steven Motlop, Jesse Hogan, Nathan Wilson and Luke Hodge.
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