Who's in play

Ricky Henderson and Jarryd Lyons — maybe. Henderson was best in a losing game against West Coast then dropped for finals. Reflects his career and he's better than that. Lyons is a skilful onballer who until this year was denied so many opportunities. Can be a great pick-up.

What's the priority

Hamish Hartlett. Photo: Getty Images

A classy onballer with pace from stoppages – not easy to find. Talk of Hamish Hartlett being traded by Port, and he would fit in well at half-back/wing. Has body strength and class and, at best, can be a match-winner. The Crows have some outstanding untried youngsters so Hartlett would be worth giving up one or two mid-draft picks.

Ashley Porter

BRISBANE LIONS

Who's in play?

Surely it's a case of who isn't in play? Skipper Tom Rockliff and speedster Pearce Hanley are the two big names available - should the right deal be offered. Rockliff had an unhappy 2016 but, so far, there has been minimal interest in the midfielder. Hanley, contracted for next year, has grown tired of playing in losing teams, and his frustration spilt over at teammates. The Irishman, who turns 28 in November, could net the Lions a top-10 pick. He has attracted interest from the Suns. Small forward Josh Green is also reportedly keen to pursue a change of scenery, and has been linked to the Bombers.

What's the priority

Naming a new coach, with Chris Fagan favoured to claim the role. Securing a priority pick is also a ... priority. The AFL has delayed a decision on this for another month. The Lions need help in all areas, including leadership. An experienced midfielder would be a good starting point. Josh Schache, who booted 16 goals in his debut season, needs help up forward.

Jon Pierik

CARLTON

Who's in play? 

Dennis Armfield celebrates a goal. Photo: Getty Images

There's only a handful of "untouchables" at Princes Park, as the Blues continue their rebuild. They are awaiting an answer from Zach Touhy, who has been offered a four-year deal by the Kangaroos. The Blues have offered the rebounding half-back three years. Dennis Armfield is an unrestricted free agent. Bryce Gibbs has rejected speculation he is interested in joining the Adelaide Crows.

What's the priority?

They need help in most areas, particularly inside attacking 50m where a goal-kicking threat is craved. Levi Casboult has been re-signed for a year and Liam Jones has a year to run on his contract - but they aren't the answer. Highly-rated top-10 draft pick Harry McKay still needs time. Caleb Marchbank, the GWS key-position defender, has stated his desire to head to Princes Park, while forward James Stewart, another Giant, is also on the agenda. The Blues have the No.5 pick in the draft but, ideally, would accrue another first-round pick. More midfield depth is also craved.

Jon Pierik

COLLINGWOOD

Who's in play?

The Pies have been linked to several experienced players, including North Melbourne's Daniel Wells, who has been offered a three-year deal, Fremantle's Chris Mayne, reportedly offered a four-year deal. Jarrod Witts will go to the Gold Coast for a pick in the 20s while Nathan Brown was poised to go to North as a free agent until Wells appeared likely to depart and the roos did not want to dilute thier compensation for him going. Its left Brown weighing his options. Jarryd Blair, offered a one-year deal, could also be up for grabs. Travis Cloke will head to the Bulldogs, possibly for a fourth-round selection.

What's the priority?

The Pies don't have a first-round draft selection as a result of last year's Adam Treloar trade, so would entertain an offer to rejoin the mix. They need a back-up for ruckman Brodie Grundy with Ivan Maric to be signed as a Ben Hudson type predominantly VFL ruckman who can play a handful of games in an emergency. Kicking efficiency was an issue so look for players with good skills to be pursued.

Jon Pierik

ESSENDON

Who's in play?

Not many, given the Bombers have 10 players returning to the fold and unearthed a clutch of promising kids this season. But big man Shaun McKernan is out of contract and for much of the season seemed out of selection favour. Small forward and midfielder Nick Kommer is another out of contract who played just three senior games despite the absence of so many stars.

What's the priority?

An obvious one, but key forward support for Joe Daniher is an essential for Essendon's 2017. Cale Hooker will return and showed good form in attack in the latter half of 2015, but he's also an All-Australian full-back who stiffens the Bombers' sometimes leaky defence. Pace is another priority, the Dons still a little stodgy through the midfield despite the return of Travis Colyer.

Rohan Connolly

FREMANTLE

Who's in play

The Dockers are set for a considerable cleanout of experience with Hayden Ballantyne (West Coast), Chris Mayne (Collingwood/North Melbourne - right), and Michael Barlow all reportedly on the move. Those pesky Nat Fyfe rumours aren't going away, either.

What's the priority

Hawthorn speedster Brad Hill has landed in their lap and all they need to do is facilitate an appropriate trade. But of bigger concern for the Dockers is their key forward stocks which is why the likes of Jesse Hogan, Rory Lobb, Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten have all been linked to the Dockers. There are suggestions Hogan could leave AAMI Park as early as this trade period and with West Coast in the hunt for his signature as well, the Dockers will have to bring their best negotiating skills to the table. Freo will also probably be locked in a battle with the Eagles for Lobb's services if the big Giant decides to leave Spotless Stadium. McCarthy's transition to the Dockers appears to be a fait accompli at this stage.

Ronny Lerner

GEELONG

Who's in play?

The Cats can't do a lot until they establish the status of out-of-contract veterans Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright and Tom Lonergan. But out-of-favour big man Nathan Vardy would have to come under trade consideration, as already has speedster Steven Motlop, who is contracted for next year. Forward Shane Kersten is also the subject of speculation after being dropped towards the end of the season.

What's the priority?

Geelong's backline was regularly put at risk without an obvious small defender. Pace would also seem a requirement, particularly if Motlop leaves the club. And the Cats could perhaps do with another quality midfielder, the dependence of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood exposed in the preliminary final loss.

Rohan Connolly

GOLD COAST

Who's in play

David Swallow. Photo: Getty Images

Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia have already requested trades to Hawthorn and Richmond respectively while the fate of fellow young gun David Swallow remains unclear. The former No.1 pick still has a year to run on his contract but is reportedly unhappy with the club and the way its medical staff has treated his knee injuries which have sidelined him since round 15, 2015.

What's the priority

Luke Breust and/or James Sicily for O'Meara would be a good start. Both Hawks are talented players, especially Breust who is one of the game's most accurate shots for goal and has three premierships to his credit. The Suns are also reportedly interested in out-of-favour Collingwood ruckman Jarrod Witts.

Ronny Lerner

GWS GIANTS

Who's in play?

This shapes as another busy trade period for the Giants. Cam McCarthy will leave for one of the WA clubs, most likely Fremantle. Caleb Marchbank has indicated he wants a move to Carlton, while Jack Steele, James Stewart and Will Hoskin-Elliott could also be heading to Melbourne clubs. Defender Adam Tomlinson has attracted interest from Melbourne-based club but indicated in September he wanted to stay at GWS. Ruckman Rory Lobb is also likely to warrant his share of attention with both West Coast and Fremantle desperate for a long-term ruck option.

What's the priority?

Hanging on to Lobb would be ideal, given the Giants need a long-term ruckman as back-up to Shane Mumford. Otherwise, they have plenty of trade resources at their disposal to bring in another big man should Lobb depart. Don't be surprised to see the Giants stockpile a number of future draft picks this trade period.

James Buckley

HAWTHORN

Who's in play

Bradley Hill has already requested a trade to Fremantle so he can play with brother Stephen. Luke Breust and James Sicily have been talked about as a potential part of a deal that would get 2013 Rising Star Jaeger O'Meara to the club.

What's the priority

Ty Vickery will leave to go to Hawthorn as a free agent unless something untoward happens. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

While the club is keen to recruit O'Meara, despite the want-away Sun not having played a senior game in two years, Hawthorn's No.1 target has to be Tom Mitchell. The gun midfielder was one of Sydney's best in Saturday's grand final and showed why he is so highly sought-after. Richmond big man Ty Vickery has also been linked to the Hawks.

Ronny Lerner

MELBOURNE

Who's in play

Michael Hibberd. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

Defender Michael Hibberd from Essendon wants to join the demons. He is contracted to Essendon still but has told the club he wants the trade. Former captain Jack Grimes has been delisted. Jesse Hogan most certainly is not in play. Brisbane are interested in defender Lynden Dunn to add depth to the backline.

The Priority

Hibberd and going back to the draft. Convincing Jesse Hogan to open negotiations on extending his contract beyond the end of next year is the biggest priority.

Michael Gleeson

NORTH MELBOURNE

Who's in play?

The Roos don't have a heap of trade currency given the mass exodus of veterans which will mean all hands on deck among the younger faces not yet exposed much at senior level, many of whom are signed up for next year already. Brad McKenzie is one Roo out of contract who may attract interest, while key position player Joel Tippett failed to play a senior game this year suggesting his Arden Street days may be numbered.

What's the priority?

North Melbourne need more incremental improvement all over the park, but more specifically, given the likely departure of Daniel Wells, some more leg speed, and in light of the retirement of Michael Firrito, another quality medium-sized defender.

Rohan Connolly

PORT ADELAIDE

Who's in play

Hamish Hartlett and Matthew Lobbe - possibly. Port must surely regret not having a top-20 draft pick since 2012. Their main targets – Paddy Ryder and Charlie Dixon – have not shown their best yet, and they need to trade for good picks to add depth to squad. Hartlett and Lobbe loom as most likely bait.

What's the priority

With Ryder back in the side, Port are solid again up forward, but need a big defender urgently and a pacy onballer. Getting them won't be easy when they should be reluctant to give up early trade picks.

Ashley Porter

RICHMOND

Who's in play

Ty Vickery will leave to go to Hawthorn as a free agent unless something untoward happens. The Hawks want him and the Tigers will accept the compensation. Two more former first round draft picks, Ben Lennon and Reece Conca, are likely to be traded but suitors have yet to reveal themselves. Ivan Maric looks likely to go to Collingwood as an emergency back up ruck. Brett Deledio is still contracted and on significant money for next year.

What's the priority

Getting Dion Prestia in is the top priority and will happen. Extending Dustin Martin's contract beyond next year and safeguarding him from free agency would be as big a priority.

Michael Gleeson

ST KILDA

Who's in play?

The steadily-building Saints continue to look at bolstering their talent from other clubs, having succeeded in turning Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey into consistent forwards. St Kilda had designs on Jaeger O'Meara and Caleb Marchbank - but both have nominated other clubs. Out-of-contract Giant midfielder/forward Jack Steele remains the player the Saints have been linked with most strongly, while fellow GWS player Adam Tomlinson is another to have popped up on their radar, although he says he wants to stay at the Giants.

What's the priority?

Steele seems to be the main game, but the Saints have the salary cap space to be a big player.

Daniel Cherny

SYDNEY

Who's in play?

Sydney are squeezed for cap space and could be made an offer for Tom Mitchell too good to refuse. Photo: Getty Images

Speculation around Tom Mitchell's future has been rife since the Swans were told their offer to re-sign the midfielder was insufficient. He's been heavily linked with Hawthorn, although whether the Hawks have the resources to make a trade happen remains to be seen, given they're also hoping to secure want-away Gold Coast Sun Jaeger O'Meara. Utility Dean Towers and ruckman Toby Nankervis could also be trade bait this month.

What's the priority?

Keeping Mitchell would be ideal, but Sydney are squeezed for cap space and could receive an offer too good to refuse. The Swans are a pretty complete side, but there's still room in that midfield for a speedy ball-carrying type.

James Buckley

WEST COAST

Who's in play?

The Eagles appear likely to be involved in one of the trade period's most compelling exchanges as they are the frontrunner to land contracted goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne from cross-town rivals Fremantle. Both West Australian clubs are interested in Giant big man Rory Lobb. Fringe defenders Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie could be departing, while axed North Melbourne veteran Drew Petrie is also in the frame for a surprise move to the Eagles, although better news on Scott Lycett's knee injury would appear to lessen the need for Petrie.

What's the priority?

With a long-term injury to Nic Naitanui, the Eagles need some ruck relief.

Daniel Cherny

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Who's in play?

They've just won the premiership and have Bob Murphy, Stewart Crameri, Marcus Adams, Mitch Wallis and Jack Redpath to come back, so it's not as though the Dogs are in desperate need of more talent. Still they seem likely to win the services of experienced Magpie forward Travis Cloke, who will help fill a gap in their still emerging forward line. The Dogs are likely to lose fringe players Lin Jong, Koby Stevens and Nathan Hrovat - all of whom missed out on the grand final. Veteran ruckman Will Minson is out-of-contract and could find a new home.

What's the priority?

Landing Cloke - probably for a third-round pick.

Daniel Cherny