Geelong could be back in the race for Jake Stringer after receiving better-than-expected compensation for the departure of AFL free agent Steven Motlop to Port Adelaide.
Motlop has signed a four-year deal at Alberton Oval, with the Power beating crosstown rivals Adelaide -- who were thought to have offered a more lucrative deal -- in the race for his services.
The Cats declined to match the Power's bid for the restricted free agent and had been widely expected to receive a late second-round draft pick as compensation.
But the AFL on Saturday announced the Cats would instead receive a draft pick at the end of the first round - currently pick No.19.
That would likely put the Cats firmly back in the mix to make a deal with the Western Bulldogs for estranged forward Stringer.
The 23-year-old was encouraged to find a new home and has picked Essendon as his preferred destination.
But Stringer is contracted next year, and the Bulldogs have declared they won't let him go unless a suitable deal can be struck.
That may be something Essendon are unable to achieve, having already dealt their first-round pick in this year's draft to Greater Western Sydney for Devon Smith.
The Bombers have two second-round picks at their disposal and remain confident of securing Stringer, but the Cats would be well-placed to swoop should negotiations fall apart.
Stringer's manager Robbie D'Orazio believes there is no way the All-Australian can remain with the Dogs after he was publicly criticised by coach Luke Beveridge.
But the Bulldogs on Saturday declared Stringer was "every chance" of remaining on their list next year.
"Looking forward, we'll continue to have discussions with the relevant parties," Bulldogs football boss Chris Grant said.
"But as it stands, Jake's a Bulldogs player and there's every chance that Jake will be a Bulldogs player in 2018."
Motlop's decision to join the Power could result in Adelaide forcing speedster Charlie Cameron to play out the final year of his contract despite Brisbane offering a first-round draft pick.
Port have proven to be one of the major winners of the trade period so far, having also signed former Brisbane skipper Tom Rockliff as a restricted free agent.
The Power are also frontrunners to secure Melbourne forward Jack Watts during the second week of the trade period.
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