Melbourne coach Steven King feels Zak Butters race may have 'played out' 12 months ago

Melbourne coach Steven King has candidly admitted his club is likely no longer in the race for Port Adelaide star Zak Butters, saying that race "played out a year in advance".

The Power midfielder is clearly the No.1 target available this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Victoria.

The Western Bulldogs are seen as the frontrunner for his services given he grew up supporting them, though effectively all 10 Victorian clubs have been linked with the star in some capacity.

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Butters reportedly asked the question of the Power in last year's trade period as to whether they would consider moving him then, but was firmly told no.

He is now out of contract at the end of the season and a restricted free agent, giving him the right to pick his destination of choice and Port Adelaide the right to match any deal and force a trade. They have already strongly indicated they will do just that.

Speaking on Monday, King said the Dees were "not really sure" if they were still in the mix for Butters, saying the race for his services may have already been decided.

Though, unfortunately, he did not elaborate and was not asked a follow-up question for clarification.

"We'd be like every club that would love to have him, but from what you hear, I think it's down to a couple and we might not be part of that discussion," King told SEN.

"We're certainly doing work behind the scenes to let him know that we're an option.

"But that's probably been played out for a year or so in advance already."

Melbourne has reinvigorated itself under King this season, winning six of their first nine games and ranking fourth in the competition for scoring, behind heavyweights Sydney, Brisbane and Geelong.

He feels they have made themselves an attractive trade destination come the end of the season.

"Everything's on the table for us at the end of the year," he said.

"We go into the off-season, I know it's a long way away, but we've got two first-round picks, we've got room in our cap.

"Hopefully people among the industry are watching us play and think, 'gee, I'd love to be part of that'.

"And if they can make our club better, I think everything's on the table for us."

King pointed to potentially another quality midfielder, like Butters, as something they could target in the trade period. He pointed out that veteran on-baller Jack Viney is yet to play this season as he battles injury.

"We look at our list in entirety. We're young in some certain areas, but I think you'd always add a midfielder into your group, the way the game's played now," he said.

"Someone that can play inside-outside, I like players that can play dual positions. The way the game's played now, I think having more options gives you greater flexibility."

Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett faces MRO scrutiny for a high bump on West Coast's Jake Waterman on Sunday.

If he is banned, it would be the fourth of his short career to date.

King however won't be attempting to change the midfielder's aggressive style of play at this stage.

"With the way (Pickett) plays you don't want to temper too much of his instinct and natural attack on the ball," he said.

"But he is maturing. I think you saw his concern when the incident happened. I did get on the phone and let him know that I thought he was playing the ball and he had nothing to worry about.

"Kozzy knows how important he is to us. We want him to play every game, he wants to play every game because he wants to be a great player for us and the best in the comp.

"We won't sit down with him but he understands."

Pickett played statistically his worst game of the season, with reports on Sunday suggesting he was rattled by the potential fallout from the bump on Waterman.

The Eagle played out the game, however, and did not undergo a concussion test.