GREATER Western Sydney defender Jeremy Finlayson is on the radar of North Melbourne as the Roos look to add another elite ball-user to their backline.
Finlayson is contracted at Greater Western Sydney until the end of 2020 but the Giants have encouraged him to canvass trade options at other clubs as they work to avoid a salary cap squeeze in 2019.
Finlayson's manager, Dave Trotter of Hemisphere Management Group, told AFL.com.au his client had met with North about a potential move to Arden Street, but said several other clubs had indicated their interest in the New South Welshman.
"We have had an initial meeting with North Melbourne," Trotter said on Thursday.
"Jeremy is just starting the process and there has been a bit of interest in him, which we will work through over the next week or so."
North is targeting Finlayson as it looks to bolster its kicking in defence, and is eyeing Sydney defender Nic Newman to the same end.
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In 14 games this season, Finlayson's pin-point foot skills stood out as the left-footer averaged 16.4 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency.
Finlayson's potential move comes as star Giants Dylan Shiel and Rory Lobb explore returning to their respective home states of Victoria and Western Australia, with Shiel being hotly pursued by Hawthorn, Essendon, Carlton and St Kilda and Lobb by Fremantle and West Coast.
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Talented youngster Will Setterfield, 2016's No.5 draft pick, has also been strongly linked to Carlton and Essendon.
Finlayson graduated from the GWS Academy and was selected with the No.85 pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.
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The defender didn't play at all in his first two seasons, before breaking through to debut in last year's round 15 draw with Geelong.
The 22-year-old played the opening nine rounds of this season and was particularly impressive in the Giants' first four games, when he averaged 22 possessions, six rebound 50s and five marks.
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Finlayson was in and out of the senior side in the second half of 2018 after first-year defender Sam Taylor broke into the team, and did not play in either of the Giants' two finals.
However, his season was still extremely encouraging, while he appears to still have significant scope for improvement.
The Roos' meeting with Finlayson continues their aggressive approach to the Trade Period, which has already seen Jared Polec and Aaron Hall nominate Arden Street as their preferred new home.
They are also sweating on Andrew Gaff taking up their lucrative free agency offer, with the West Coast star a chance to announce his decision on Saturday.
