The Zach Merrett trade saga is set to dominate the news headlines until a resolution is found - and that might not be until mid-October when trade week finishes.
Essendon's captain wants out of the club and is keen on a trade to Hawthorn, who are clearly in their premiership window as they prepare for a preliminary final against Geelong.
But is there a chance Merrett could up at another AFL club - with Melbourne, Adelaide and St Kilda also keen on securing a midfielder?
At this stage, Merrett is only keen on securing a move to Hawthorn, according to journalist Cal Twomey, but hasn't yet made a public request for a trade away from the Bombers.
MORE: Merrett's trade talk isn't a distraction according to Hawks star
Hawthorn are super keen to bring in a gun midfielder to compliment their current engine room, and have previously targeted Harley Reid, Zak Butters and Christian Petracca.
If Merrett does end up departing Essendon, it's hard to see it being to another AFL club at this stage, with the Hawks likely to offer up whatever capital is required to secure the Bombers skipper.
If, somehow, Hawthorn can't satisfy Essendon's demands but Merrett's situation at the club is untenable, then other clubs could become an option for the player to escape the Bombers.
However, all three of the possible other mooted options don't seem like great fits for what Merrett appears to be seeking at Hawthorn.
Melbourne are about to start a transition period under new coach Steven King, have their own player retention issues to worry about and appear some way away from a premiership tilt.
The Saints appear to be heading in the right direction to move up the ladder, but have applied a risky strategy and are by no means guaranteed of getting success for Merrett
And while the Crows are minor premiers and appear set for a stint in the top reaches of ladder, it's hard to see Merrett moving to South Australia.
A resolution will be eventually be found for the Merrett saga - but it might be a draining month for Essendon fans, who are also bracing for the departures of Sam Draper and possibly Jordan Ridley.