The Giants have Hampton under contract and he could only get to his preferred club via a trade. He has played 51 games for the Giants, having suffered a collarbone injury last year and then managing only five senior games in 2015.

Assuming Hampton is traded to the Crows - presumably for a draft pick that helps the Giants acquire their academy players - Collingwood would have the option of pursuing other players in the upcoming trade period, in addition to midfielder Treloar, who has been offered a six-year deal by the Magpies and has chosen them as his preferred club over Richmond. Collingwood is certain to part with pick No.7 and probably more in order to satisfy the Giants and acquire Treloar, who has a relationship with Nathan Buckley from the latter's stint coaching the Victorian under 16 country side.

The Pies are still in the running for Brisbane's James Aish, who still has not told the Lions he is leaving and has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Collingwood, St Kilda and Carlton.

GWS is expected to take a hard line on key forward Cameron McCarthy's request for a trade to Fremantle - McCarthy having two years left on his contract and regarded as a potential star in the forward line - but the attitude the Giants will take on Hampton, who has less currency, is unclear.

Hampton, originally from Alice Springs, was a zone selection for GWS and has been used mainly across half-back this year and in 2014, but can also play midfield. He is the son of former NT politician Karl Hampton.