PREMIERSHIP ruckman Scott Lycett is officially a Port Adelaide player after West Coast chose not to match the Power's big contract offer for the 26-year-old.
West Coast will receive a compensation pick at the end of the first round of the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, which currently sits at No.20.
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The Power last Saturday offered the restricted free agent a five-year deal worth about $3 million for the restricted free agent last Saturday.
West Coast had until 1pm AEDT on Tuesday to match that offer and football manager Craig Vozzo said the Eagles considered doing so.
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"We gave consideration to matching the offer put to Scott, but ultimately understand his reasons for wanting to return home to South Australia," Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
"Scott has made a significant contribution to the club, culminating in helping deliver a premiership this season.
"We respect his decision and wish Scott and his family all the best moving forward."
Lycett expressed his excitement about the move when speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au.
"I had eight great seasons with the Eagles and won a premiership, and the club has been fantastic to me and my family," Lycett said.
"I can't thank West Coast enough for making me a better player and person.
"But I am excited to be coming home to South Australia and to the club that I supported since my childhood.
"I can’t wait to get back to Adelaide and want to help the Power achieve some success."
He is just the 20th player in AFL/VFL history to change clubs immediately after winning a flag.
The Eagles are in the hunt for big men to fill the void, with star Nic Naitanui set to be sidelined for the 2019 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
St Kilda's Tom Hickey has had a medical at the Eagles and the Saints are open to letting the contracted ruck leave, while Western Bulldogs restricted free agent Jordan Roughead has also met with the club.
Lycett is set to partner Paddy Ryder while spending plenty of time up forward alongside Charlie Dixon.
In tandem with Nathan Vardy, Lycett had an important role in the Eagles' Grand Final victory, limiting the influence of Collingwood star Brodie Grundy.
The South Australian played his junior football at Port.
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Power football manager Chris Davies was happy with the pick-up.
"We are really pleased to bring a player of Scott's skill and experience to the club," he said.
"As a former Port Adelaide junior player, we've followed his career closely and have no doubt that he'll be a welcome addition to our group.
"We can't wait to welcome him back home to Alberton."
Since being drafted at No.29 in 2010, he has lined up in 75 games.
The compensation selection West Coast received may come in handy as it tries to convince Geelong to give up star Tim Kelly, although the Cats are demanding a top-10 pick.
