Port Adelaide stalwart Troy Chaplin says out-of-contract teammates would be stupid not to question the AFL club's dire financial position.

But Chaplin said he would be disappointed in any player leaving because of Port's cash crisis.

Victorian-born utility Jackson Trengove and key backman Alipate Carlile are among Port players coming off contract at season's end.

Port will rely on AFL funds to survive the next three seasons, with a rescue package to be detailed within a fortnight after the club's licence holder, the SANFL, said it couldn't afford to prop up the Power.

Chaplin said the cash woes deserved discussion from out-of-contract teammates.

"That is something the players will look at, along with a whole other range of things, so it would be stupid not to mention it and find out where this club is heading," Chaplin said on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old hoped teammates wouldn't leave because of the financial predicament.

"You play for the club because you love playing for the club," he said.

"You have got to look at what situation the club is in, surely.

"But you have got to look at where the playing list is as well. We think as a group we're heading in the right direction. We have got an exciting list and we believe in what we are doing.

"If the player is leaving because he thinks the club is in dire straits, I mean that is a little bit disappointing.

"Surely, you want to ride it out and go through the hard times because it means out the other end, it is going to be just as good in the glory times as well."

Port, with just two wins this season, have the lowest football department spending in the league, some $5 million less than premiers Collingwood.

The AFL reportedly wants its emergency funding directed into the football department to ensure on-field competitiveness.

"It's no secret that we're not spending anywhere near as much in the footy department as any other AFL club," Chaplin said.

"Look, it would be great to put a bit more money in - another (assistant) coach would help.

"(Coach) Matty (Primus) is the right guy for this job. The support coaching, obviously, you need the best available."

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