Port Adelaide’s re-emergence as a premiership threat will come at a cost, with WA midfielder Brendon Ah Chee preparing to seek a trade at the season’s end.

Ah Chee, 23, will explore trade options after being starved of regular game time in his sixth season on the Power’s list.

A 2011 No.45 draft pick, the big-bodied on-baller has become a victim of Port’s wealth of inside midfielders.

Ah Chee has played 26 AFL games, but just four of those have come this year despite strong form in the SANFL.

The South Fremantle product has been told that, barring injuries, he is likely to play most of his football in the reserves for the rest of the season.

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The tough selection stance comes after Port rebounded strongly from two disappointing seasons to be back in top-four contention. They can climb as high as third with a win over Collingwood at the MCG tomorrow.

Ah Chee has been unable to force his name past highly-rated ball winners including captain Travis Boak, Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert, Robbie Gray, Hamish Hartlett and Jared Polec during his time at the Power.

WA product and first-round draft pick Sam Powell-Pepper has also gone past Ah Chee at the selection table, playing every game in his first AFL season.

Camera Icon Brendon Ah Chee is looking for a new football home. Credit: Getty Images

Ah Chee’s manager Anthony Van Der Wielen said his client wanted to prove himself.

“Brendon loves the Port Adelaide Football Club, but after six seasons on their list he just wants the chance to have an impact at AFL level,” Van Der Wielen said. “Depending on what happens over coming weeks, if that chance doesn’t eventuate he will have no option but to seek an opportunity elsewhere.”

Ah Chee was dropped after the club’s 70-point loss to Essendon in round 12, ending a short run in the senior side.

He kicked a major from nine disposals and finished with a goal assist from just 54 per cent game time in that loss.

Gold Coast explored reuniting Ah Chee with younger brother Callum at the end of last season, but no trade deal eventuated.

The Power midfielder is out of contract at the end of this season and could yet attract interest from West Coast and Fremantle.

The Eagles are understood to have expressed a past interest in Ah Chee and will be looking to strengthen their midfield.