ORAZIO Fantasia is set to again be a major talking point leading into this year's AFL Trade Period as he weighs up requesting a trade home to South Australia.
The Essendon forward has endured another injury-ravaged season, playing only five games – and none since round seven – because of soft-tissue setbacks.
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AFL.com.au understands Fantasia will undergo independent medical testing this week that will then be forwarded onto potential suitors Port Adelaide and Adelaide in what is a significant development.
He is contracted for next season before becoming a free agent, but it's increasingly common for footballers to be traded the year before they reach that status.
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It's believed Fantasia hasn't told the Bombers he wants out, something he would need to do before the two South Australian clubs register genuine interest in acquiring him.
His situation has been on the radar since AFL.com.au revealed in July last year that he wanted to finish his AFL career in South Australia – and that the Power were frontrunners.
The 25-year-old switched player agents from Anthony McConville to South Australian-based Michael Doughty in October last year, and Port Adelaide was privately confident of winning his services.
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However, Fantasia didn't end up requesting a trade at the time, with skipper Dyson Heppell among those who convinced him not to take that path.
The Power are again the likeliest landing point for Fantasia, with Matthew Nicks' Crows a year into a significant rebuild and more focused on strengthening their draft hand.
Adelaide could still come into the equation if a suitable deal can be struck.
Port Adelaide is a leading flag contender this year and fresh from winning the minor premiership, but is also well advanced with its list decisions.
The Power announced four delistings last week and put two other out-of-contract players on notice as well, as they await the final outcome on likely changes to list sizes.
