PORT Adelaide has confirmed its interest in Geelong ruckman-forward Nathan Vardy, but his move to Alberton hinges on finding a trade for ruckman Matthew Lobbe.

And the Cats are dismissing the Power — or any AFL rival — has made a move on contracted speedster Steven Motlop.

AFL trade talks with the 18 league clubs opened at Etihad Stadium this morning with Port Adelaide’s strategy for the player exchange period — that closes next Thursday — turned on its head by Power vice-captain Hamish Hartlett rejecting any move from Alberton.

Port Adelaide football chief Chris Davies arrived at Etihad Stadium this morning delivering the impression his club has gone from a major player at the start of the trade period with Hartlett to needing to wait for interest to develop in the 12 other players on the Power’s trade bait list.

“I’m sure in the next two weeks we will have interest in a number of our players,” Davies said.

media_camera Matthew Lobbe battling with Sun Keegan Brooksby. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“(Nathan Vardy) from the profile perspective (fits) — and if Matthew decides to move clubs then we have to look (at Vardy).

“We’re not linked in to any one particular player,” Davies said of Motlop.

“We approach this trade period with an open mind on our whole list — and what unfolds today will be interesting; we will wait to see what the other clubs have to say and move on from there.”

ADELAIDE’S long-held hopes of claiming 2014 All-Australian midfielder Tom Rockliff seem stronger today by Brisbane declaring “nothing is off the table” — including trading their troubled captain.

“Certainly, we are open to anything,” new Brisbane football supremo — and former Crows football chief — David Noble said.

“(On Rockliff), as I said we are open to anything. We expect (the contracted Rockliff and Pearce Hanley) to be there (at Brisbane) next year, but trade week is an interesting period of time.”

New Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is to meet Rockliff on Wednesday. The Lions may see the benefit of trading Rockliff now before he walks as a free agent next year.

Rockliff drew the ire of Brisbane last week for an insensitive Tweet that was disrespectful to women.

“Last week was really poor from Tom’s perspective — and he has been told about it,” Noble said.

michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au

Originally published as Port keen on Vardy, but Lobbe needs home