North Melbourne's better-than-expected AFL season has enhanced their chances of finally landing a big fish via trade or free agency.
But the Kangaroos won't have to close the doors at Arden Street if they can't bag the likes of West Coast's Andrew Gaff or even Port Adelaide's Jared Polec.
Both have been linked to big-money moves to North, who have unashamedly tried to lure Richmond superstar Dustin Martin and GWS playmaker Josh Kelly without success in recent times.
Largely dismissed as a contender before the season, the Roos finished just outside the eight following a 17.15 (117) to 14.10 (94) win over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The minor disappointment of Ben Brown failing in his bid to claim the Coleman Medal aside, coach Brad Scott was delighted with the inroads the Roos have made in an encouraging campaign.
With the off-season player movement circus about to commence, North should find it easier to attract talent than perhaps some others like strugglers Carlton and the Saints.
"We've put ourselves in a position over a number of years to be in the marketplace," Scott said.
"I think it's unfair to comment on individuals ... but people will build it up as 'You've got to get one or else'. Or else what? Or we play Paul Ahern, or Will Walker or Luke Davies-Uniacke play a full season.
"Or our first-round draft pick comes in.
"We've put ourselves in the marketplace and I'll leave it to the powers that be to get that done, but our job this year was to play a style of footy where players thought 'The Kangaroos are a place I woudn't mind going'."
Retiring veteran Jarrad Waite kicked three goals against St Kilda in his 244th and final AFL game, with the former Blue the first of several list changes to come.
But even though the Roos are open about their desire to bring in experienced talent, Scott already has plenty to work with given his list finished ninth with 12 wins and 10 losses.
"At the start of the year you'd say that you're going to play finals with that sort of record," he said.
"You can look back at all the 'what-ifs' but what we've got to do is build a better, deeper midfield.
"Most of that, to be honest, will come from organic growth."
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