Port Adelaide have issued a stern “hands off” to rival AFL clubs circling ruckman Matthew Lobbe ahead of the AFL trade period.

Lobbe, 26, is entering the prime of his career but found himself out of the Power’s side at times in 2015, with Paddy Ryder preferred in the lead ruck role.

With Gold Coast big man Charlie Dixon also hoping to join Port, competition for spots amongst the club’s tall timber will only increase next year but football manager Chris Davies said that doesn’t mean they’ll listen to offers for Lobbe.

“He’s the vice-captain of our club (and) contracted to the end of 2019,” Davies told NAB AFL Trade Radio. “From our perspective, we’re not entertaining Matthew Lobbe not being at our footy club in 2016, let alone beyond that.

“At the end of the day, competition for spots is not a bad thing. No one should have a walk-in automatic start.

“If we’re able to get Charlie Dixon in, that’s what we’ll have on our hands.”

Dixon has been with the Suns from their inaugural season in 2011 and kicked 41 goals in 16 games this year before informing the club of his desire to join the Power.

Davies said that negotiations between the clubs were progressing well, with Port’s first-round draft pick (No.10) in play as Gold Coast look to maximise their return.

The Suns will have a busy trade period, with Harley Bennell and Zac Smith also looking for new AFL clubs. Bennell seems destined for Fremantle, while Smith has nominated Geelong as his preferred destination, an aspiration clouded by the Cats’ potential looming trade headaches over Adelaide’s restricted free agent Patrick Dangerfield, Carlton utility Lachie Henderson and marginalised Eagle Scott Selwood.

Port Adelaide yesterday staved off recruiting raids from rival Victorian clubs when they signed Hamish Hartlett to a new five-year deal. However, Davies suggested the club would be open to parting ways with fringe midfielders Andrew Moore and Aaron Young.

Power forward John Butcher also accepted a one-year extension to remain with the club.