Krakouer is one of a number of players to be linked to the AFL’s newest team.
The Power have offered the dashing half-back a new contract, but Krakouer and his manager have put off talks until later in the season.
The West Australian, who was struggling with homesickness, almost walked out on the club two years ago but his close bond with Williams convinced him to stay.
On Friday, Williams said he was uncertain whether Krakouer would be lured to the Gold Coast.
“Nathan is a good player, so I’d imagine the Gold Coast should be talking to him. We’re very hopeful of keeping him here, but who knows … it is starting to smell a bit,” Williams said.
Rival clubs have also expressed an interest in young midfielder Travis Boak, but Williams said he was more confident of the 21-year-old remaining at Alberton.
“I do think Trav is likely to stay and I would think a lot of things will get settled in the mid-season break,” he said.
Last week, Port Adelaide secured the future of another of its most promising players in classy midfielder/forward Robbie Gray.
The 22-year-old signed off on a two-year contract extension only to be struck down by a nagging hamstring/back complaint the next day.
Williams revealed that Gray was likely to spend at least another two weeks on the sidelines, but said the club would continue to be patient with the injury-ravaged goalkicker.
“I can’t see Robbie playing for the next couple of weeks. It’s a back-to-hamstring I think and it’s really disappointing. He’s a very significant player for us and we’ll continually try and monitor and look after him to get him out on the track and to play games because when he’s playing he’s vital for us,” Williams said.
“If the [injury-prone] players are not very old you can put up with it longer, but if they tend to get those sort of inconsistencies in games played when they’re a little older you give them one-year contracts and if it hasn’t turned out then you move them on.”
Williams said he expected the team to go in as named, despite fitness clouds over vice-captain Jacob Surjan [hip] and veteran Chad Cornes [illness].
Forward Jay Schulz has been dropped for the clash with his former side, with young tall Daniel Stewart named as his replacement.
Williams said Schulz’s form had been okay, but that the club was keen to have a look at Stewart.
“Daniel Stewart has been sitting there really since pre-season. We gave him one game against Geelong when Schulz was injured and we want to give him some games,” he said.
“We’re happy with what we’ve seen from Jay to a certain extent. [His form] is just a little inconsistent, that’s all. He’s certainly improved from last year and we hope he continues to improve. With Tredders out for a long time and us being unsure about what his future is we’d hope that Jay’s here for a long time.”
