The intriguing players around the competition who remain in contract limbo

The trade period is underway and with that comes players left out of contract and still in limbo.

Will there be a list spot for them when all is said and done, will they come to terms on a new contract or will another team come calling to offer a lifeline?

We saw this in 2023 with Hawthorn plucking Massimo D’Ambrosio out of Essendon – surely teams will be discussing who could produce a similar output in 2025.

Here are the intriguing players around the league still out of contract and where things sit with them.

Note: We’ve left out players who have requested trades like James Peatling, Bailey Smith, Liam Baker, etc

Jaxon Prior (Brisbane)

The 23-year-old only managed four games in 2024 at the Lions, stuck behind some quality half-back flankers. Brisbane would like to retain him, but has expressed some interest in potentially a move back home to Western Australia.

Jack Carroll (Carlton)

Had a breakout season at Carlton, playing 15 games through the midfield. It had been hinted in the lead-up to the trade period that he would consider a move home to Western Australia, but things have gone quiet on that front for now given how busy both WA clubs are elsewhere. Carlton would surely offer him a multi-year contract.

Matt Owies (Carlton)

Carlton has seemingly list-managed themselves into a corner here and will not offer Matt Owies a new contract until after the trade period given they lack for list spots. It likely comes given their decision to offer Orazio Fantasia a two-year deal in 2023. It may cost them a player who kicked 33 goals and played 23 games, though currently there doesn't seem to be a suitor for the small forward.

Nathan Kreuger (Collingwood)

Remains out of contract and has been mentioned in trade talks. At 196cm, the key position player has struggled to stay healthy, but has shown he can be a capable depth player when fit. Will surely be on an AFL list in 2025.

Reef McInnes (Collingwood)

A former first-round draft pick, McInnes played nine games in 2024, but couldn’t consistently break into a Collingwood side that dealt with significant injuries up forward. The Magpies don’t seem to be too busy in this trade period and will likely have room to retain a few, whether it’s Kreuger, McInnes or a Lachie Sullivan.

Will Setterfield (Essendon)

Looked to be in Essendon’s best side, but once again dealt with injuries that saw him struggle to be regularly available. The Bombers have quite a bit of depth in the midfield now and that could see Setterfield’s AFL career cut short.

The Geelong veterans

We know that Patrick Dangerfield and Jake Kolodjashnij will sign new contracts at the Cats. You’d imagine Rhys Stanley will go around again given their lack of ruck depth, while they’re probably awaiting a decision from Mitch Duncan. Jed Bews is another that remains unsigned.

Alex Sexton (Gold Coast)

The forward turned defender played 15 games for the Suns this season, but feels like the kind of player that Damien Hardwick may be wanting to move away from, hence the lack of a contract offer. The Suns are also bringing in John Noble and Daniel Rioli at the same position. May be squeezed out after 181 games for the club.

Denver Grainger-Barras (Hawthorn)

The former top 10 draft pick is unlikely to be offered a new contract by the Hawks, according to AFL Media. At just 22, standing at 194cm and given his draft pedigree, it’s hard to imagine another club not picking him up and attempting to extract the potential out of the key defender.

Ethan Phillips (Hawthorn)

Another Hawks key defender unlikely to get a new contract as the club brings in a pair of players at the same position in Josh Battle and Tom Barrass. Has reportedly received some interest from Carlton and St Kilda.

Charlie Lazzaro (North Melbourne)

Played 24 games in his first two seasons at the Roos, but has seemingly fallen out of favour – particularly as new draftees are added to the mix. Could North Melbourne offer him a contract or a rookie spot given he’s just 22 or will they simply move on?

Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)

The 36-year-old seemed likely to play on in 2025 throughout the season and played all 23 games for the Power. It’s curious that a decision hasn’t yet been locked in. Port Adelaide is once again busy with numerous trades in front of them and list spots could be tight.

Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)

Richmond is getting younger quickly and with that comes potentially moving on from veteran wingman Kamdyn McIntosh. The Tigers haven’t yet offered him a deal. Could this be the end of his 190-game career?

Jack Hayes (St Kilda)

A poorly timed ACL put the clamps on what was an exciting start to the career of the key forward who can chop out in the ruck. The Saints are yet to offer him a contract and at 28, it could simply be a case of what could’ve been. Could another team throw him a lifeline given the glimpse of potential?

Dougal Howard (St Kilda)

The key defender played 15 games for St Kilda in 2024 and dealt with injuries. Having lost Josh Battle, you would imagine the Saints will retain Howard as a depth piece at the very least.

Aaron Francis (Sydney)

Reportedly likely to receive a new deal to remain at Sydney, after being named in the VFL Team of the Year. Was an emergency for the Grand Final side and important key position depth.

Alex Witherden (West Coast)

Played 18 games in 2024 for the Eagles and has been a regular during these tough few years. Could West Coast feel they’ve moved beyond the need for his services in defence?

Riley Garcia (Western Bulldogs)

Attracting interest from a number of clubs, with Port Adelaide reportedly leading the way for his services. The Bulldogs will surely want to retain the 23-year-old, who played 12 games in 2024 and looks capable of pushing into the regular side.

Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs)

Remains in limbo, according to Tom Morris on AFL Trade Radio. Johannisen has had a storied career at the Dogs, including winning the 2016 Norm Smith Medal, but we know Luke Beveridge isn’t afraid of some tough list management calls, and this may be it for the 31-year-old.