Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks has emerged as a possible star candidate to replace Nicola Roxon in her safe seat of Gellibrand.

Multiple senior sources said the seat, which overlaps Mr Bracks' former state seat of Williamstown, was his if he wanted it. The popular ex-premier lives in the seat and is being touted as a natural fit.

''He just needs to say the word,'' one prominent Labor figure said. ''There is a lot of organic support for Steve Bracks in the area. There are factional issues, but if he wants it no one will be able to stop it.''

Another senior source said that although the Victorian Right, heavily influenced by Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, had the numbers, it would be impossible to deny Mr Bracks the opportunity.