Thompson’s manager Michael Doughty says the 33-year-old onballer has met with coach Don Pyke and is aware he won’t be guaranteed his spot in the side’s best 22 next year.

“He caught up with the coach on Monday. He’ll be there in some capacity next year,” Doughty told AFL Trade Radio yesterday.

“Thommo’s really aware of what players need – to be given opportunity and games under their belts – but he’ll drive the standards and if those guys aren’t performing or he’s playing better footy, I’m sure he’ll be in their best 22.”

Across town, Port Adelaide vice-captain Hamish Hartlett has declared he wants to stay with the Power after weighing up a move to a Victorian club.

Hartlett is one of about a dozen players understood to have been put up as trade bait as the Power look to free up space in their salary cap and attract first-round draft picks.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who is just one year into a five-year contract, held talks with clubs including Richmond and Essendon this week but opted to remain at Port after meeting with coach Ken Hinkley and captain Travis Boak.

“I’d say he’s pretty much off the table now,” Doughty said of his client.

“I think there’s still some interest there but there’s a lot to play out and he’s got a five-year deal financially. For clubs to get it done, it wasn’t going to be easy, I won’t lie there.”

Hartlett looks set to stick it out at Port. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Doughty said contracted Power big man Matthew Lobbe had attracted interest from several clubs and was “50-50” to seek an opportunity as a lead ruckman at a new club.

Geelong livewire Steven Motlop has also been targeted by rivals and will meet with his manager in coming days to decide his next steps.

-AAP