Have Fremantle already conceded defeat in their bid to lure Mitch McGovern back to WA?

The Albany product wants a trade out of Adelaide, despite only signing a three-year contract extension 12 months ago.

The strong speculation is that he will re-unite with former Crows forwards coach David Teague at Carlton.

Dockers chief executive Steve Rosich said he had been in contact with McGovern’s manager Colin Young, but he felt the want-away key forward was leaning towards a move to Victoria.

“I have spoken to Mitch’s manager, we’ll see what unfolds but at this stage it looks like if he's not at Adelaide, it might be at a Melbourne-based team,” Rosich told 6PR’s Sportsday WA.

The Dockers missed out on prying McGovern away from Adelaide when he signed his new deal last August.

The 23-year-old has played 48 games in three seasons with the Crows, but could only manage 12 senior appearances this year.

Crows head of football Brett Burton said Adelaide would entertain a trade for an appropriate level of compensation.

“We are open minded and happy to explore the options available with Mitch and his manager,” Burton said.

“However, the needs of the Club will be held as a high priority in any possible negotiation, especially given he is a contracted player.”