OUTGOING Port Adelaide midfielder Jared Polec believes he will be playing with Andrew Gaff at North Melbourne next year.

According to AFL.com.au, Polec told a few former teammates and several close confidants that he expects Gaff to move across the Nullarbor this off-season.

A free agent, Polec is just days from joining the Kangaroos on a lucrative five-year deal after he was left unsatisfied with Port Adelaide’s handling of contract talks.

The official AFL free agency period opens on Friday, the same day as West Coast’s club champion awards.

Gaff cut a distraught figure on the sidelines during the Eagles’ thrilling flag win on Saturday and is yet to give any clear indication of where he sees his AFL future.

If he leaves, Gaff will earn more than $1 million a season over at least six years.

It is understood West Coast is committed to offering a long-term contract, but can’t match the money North Melbourne has tabled.

Veteran journalist Damien Barrett last week reported the Kangaroos’ offer could be worth up to $400,000 a season more than their nearest suitor.

Gaff has repeatedly voiced his love for the Eagles this season but must consider the health of his Victorian father, who was released from hospital last week after suffering a serious heart-attack in August.

West Coast will meet with Gaff and fellow free agent Scott Lycett when premiership celebrations die down.

South Australian Lycett is considered more likely to join Port Adelaide than stay in Perth, but preached patience in the aftermath of Saturday’s grand final victory.