Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna says he hasn’t heard the whispers about his emerging AFL ruckman Dan Gorringe returning home to South Australia.

Gorringe falls out of contract at season’s end, with Port Adelaide believed to pitching to lure the 21-year-old back to his native state.

Port’s bid will likely intensify after Gorringe turned in an impressive display against them at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, collecting 22 disposals in a 17-point loss.

“We don’t hear them (whispers) up on the Gold Coast,” McKenna said.

“The West Australians get whispered back to Western Australia; the Victorians get whispered back to Victoria – that is common.

“We are very happy with Dan’s progression, he took another step today … we are very keen for him to stay at our footy club.”

McKenna says the 200cm tall ruckman and his Gold Coast teammates should realise they’re tracking towards success on the evidence of their narrow loss to the finals-bound Power.

“The boys’ spirit and resilience was fantastic, you can’t fault that, the way the boys hung in there was super,” McKenna said.

“Hopefully, out of today, the boys understand how close they are.

“Port are in the eight … to finish three shots off beating a finals side shows how far we have come.”