General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble says Adelaide hopes to hang onto Shaun McKernan after the out-of-contract tall chose to explore his options in the trade period.

McKernan, 23, was open to a move to a Victorian-based club to be closer to family and friends but no trade was forthcoming. Noble said he would work with McKernan and his management to try to negotiate a new deal at West Lakes.

“We’ve said all along Shaun is a required player,” Noble told afc.com.au.

“Shaun wanted to explore his options, but we’re happy to keep him. We’ll talk to his management about that in the near future.”

McKernan has played kicked 20 goals in 32 games since making his AFL debut in 2009. The athletic 196cm, 99kg, utility played nine games this season.