# Can Esava Ratugolea's Trade to Port Adelaide Be Finalised?

Key Highlights :

1. Geelong coach Chris Scott has cast doubts over Esava Ratugolea's trade to Port Adelaide, saying he can't "see a deal getting done at all".

2. Scott and Port football boss Chris Davies have verbally sparred since Ratugolea submitted a trade request earlier this month, with Davies confident a deal would get done in next month's AFL trade period.

3. Speaking to 9News Adelaide, Scott suggested Geelong won't be pushed around in trade talks.

4. When asked whether he'd prefer a player in return for the 25-year-old over a picks package, Scott responded: "I haven't even thought through that, my intention is not to trade him".

5. Scott denied he'd had discussions with his Port Adelaide counterpart over what it would take for the Power to pry Ratugolea from Kardinia Park, where he has spent the entirety of his career.

     Geelong big man Esava Ratugolea has requested a trade to Port Adelaide in the upcoming AFL trade period, but his coach Chris Scott has cast doubts on the move, saying he can't "see a deal getting done at all". With the trade period looming, the future of Ratugolea remains uncertain, with both sides yet to agree on a deal.

     The 25-year-old has been a key player for Geelong since his debut in 2018, playing 75 games and averaging a career-high 8.9 disposals and 4.4 marks per game in 2021. He is one of three rival players to have requested trades to Port Adelaide this summer, joining Essendon's Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Bulldogs big man Jordon Sweet.

     Scott has made it clear that he wants to keep Ratugolea at Geelong, but understands the market for key defenders is strong and why the move to Port would be attractive for Ratugolea. He has not had any discussions with his Port Adelaide counterpart over what it would take for the Power to pry Ratugolea from Kardinia Park.

     The Geelong coach has also indicated that he would prefer a player in return for Ratugolea over a picks package, although he has not yet thought through the details of a potential trade. With the trade period set to begin in October, both sides will have to come to an agreement soon if Ratugolea is to make the move to Port Adelaide.

     As the situation stands, it is unclear whether Ratugolea's trade to Port Adelaide will be finalised. Geelong coach Chris Scott has expressed his preference to keep Ratugolea at the club, and has not yet had any discussions with his Port Adelaide counterpart over what it would take for the Power to acquire the big man. With the trade period set to begin in October, both sides will have to come to an agreement soon if Ratugolea is to make the move to Port Adelaide.

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