NORTH Melbourne has set its sights on another Port Adelaide midfielder, attempting to pair Joe Atley with brother Shaun at Arden Street.

With the Roos already heavily pursuing Power wingman Jared Polec, AFL.com.au understands North is launching a play to land Atley to strengthen its midfield stocks.

Port's Atley, 20, played three games in his debut season last year before an ongoing back injury limited his chances of breaking into the senior line-up in 2018.

While Port Adelaide wishes to retain the out-of-contract Victorian – seen as an inside ball-winner – more opportunities at the Roos may be too hard to knock back.

Shaun, who last month re-signed at North Melbourne for three years, has previously spoken of his desire to play with his brother, who is six years his junior.

Youngest brother Jacob is also eligible to be drafted this season and has been invited to October's Victorian State Draft combine.

Should Polec move to his third club on a front-ended, five-year deal believed to be worth more than $3.5 million, Port Adelaide would be expected to receive North Melbourne's first-round pick.

That pick is currently placed at No.9, so any decision to part with their first selection would see the Roos demand later picks in a swap with the Power in an effort to accumulate draft points.

If they took that pick to the draft, it would be quickly taken away should the Roos be forced to match a bid on Next Generation Academy prospect Tarryn Thomas.

Instead, a strong hand of second- and third-round picks would be enough for Brad Scott and his team to secure the Tasmanian midfielder.

Father-son prospect Bailey Scott is seen as an outside chance to join the Roos, with Gold Coast, where he is Academy-listed, the leading contender among three options, which also includes Geelong.

Port Adelaide's top five picks sit at 11, 22 (from St Kilda acquired last year), 29, 45 (from North Melbourne acquired last year) and 47.

With a star-studded contingent of South Australian talent in this year's draft, the Power will contend with Adelaide – which has three picks inside 19 – in trading down for early picks.

While the Power has a three-year offer on the table for Polec, who is also being heavily courted by St Kilda, his departure would free up salary cap space.

With concerns over Paddy Ryder's longevity – he will start round one next year as a 31-year-old – the Power are targeting West Coast restricted free agent Scott Lycett.

If successful, they would not be required to part with draft picks, unless forced into a trade with a matched Eagles offer.