10 intriguing AFL players still without a contract for 2023

With three weeks left in the 2022 AFL season, and players beginning to call time on their careers, we look toward 10 players that are yet to secure their services for next season.

Whether they be in the twilight of their careers or likely to gain external interest in the off-season, these 10 players are seemingly no certainty to remain at their respective clubs given their current contract status at the start of August.

Some will be putting off contract talks for the remaining rounds of the season, while others will face a nervous wait as their club considers its list plan for the years ahead.

Here we put the magnifying glass over 10 players yet to re-sign for 2023, not necessarily looking at the biggest names off-contract, but those that have flown under the radar in having their futures yet to be determined.

VIEW: EVERY PLAYER WITHOUT A CONTRACT FOR 2023

Levi Casboult

The veteran forward surprised many in his move to the Suns at the end of last year, having concluded his time at Carlton after not being offered a new deal for 2022.

Gold Coast decided to roll the dice on Casboult for this season, a budget move that is now paying dividends in the absence of injured young forward Ben King.

While Casboult won't be part of the Suns' plans for the long haul, he has played an integral role in aiding the development of fellow forward Mabior Chol, who is enjoying a career-best campaign in his first season back in Queensland.

The pair have combined for 77 goals, with Casboult's tally of 34 majors equalling his career-best at Carlton - a feat reach once in a decade at Princes Park.

Bit with King to return and slot into the first-string forward role to push both Chol and Casboult down the pecking order, will the Suns look to extend the 32-year-old's contract beyond this year?

Casboult is yet to re-sign at Carrara, but his form and ability to support his fellow forwards is sure to see the ex-Blue add another year to his career.

Jack Gunston

The Hawks sharpshooter is reaching the end of his contract at Bunjil Bagora and doesn't meet the ideal age of Sam Mitchell's list planning for 2023.

Gunston has had his name tied to the exit in recent seasons, with Mitchell, his former premiership teammate, looking to inject youth into his squad as he looks to steer the brown and gold back to finals contention.

Will Gunston be in his planning?

The Hawks currently have spearhead Mitch Lewis leading the way in attack, but a supporting role is yet to emerge as Jacob Koschitzke and Emerson Jeka struggle to cement their place at AFL level.

Should rival interest arise, Mitchell may allow Gunston to walk at season's end. But if things are quiet on the market front for the former Crow, the Hawks would be derelict in their duties not to re-sign Gunston for another year and bridge the club's gap before their hard push for the top eight.

Cam Zurhaar

The Western Australian Roo is already rumoured to have placed contract talks on hold for the time being, with Zurhaar potentially weighing up his options for 2023 and beyond.

The energetic forward has hit some fiery form since the decision, letting his football do the talking and potentially adding a few more dollars to his next deal.

North Melbourne will be keen to retain the 24-year-old, but rival clubs are sure to have Zurhaar on their radar the longer his contract is held off.

Capable of having an immediate effect on a contending club, there might be a tempting move for Zurhaar to consider, but you'd expect the East Fremantle product to re-sign.

Todd Goldstein

Another Roos unsigned for next season, Goldstein may have resigned to the idea that 2022 will be his final year at Arden Street.

The 34-year-old recently spoke on his future, planning to play beyond this season.

"Obviously, it's hard not to think about what could be next when you're out of contract. But, for me, I'm just really enjoying focusing on the week-to-week stuff and helping the young kids grow and spending time with the younger guys here," he told AFL Media. 

"I know that my manager Tommy Petroro has got my best interests at hand and he'll present to me what he thinks are my best options."

With Tristan Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones likely to be favoured for the years ahead at the Roos, Goldstein's time may be up.

He has gained past interest from Geelong, who may continue to push for a ruckman in the open market despite Rhys Stanley's impressive run of form in the back-end of this year.

Recruit Jonathon Ceglar finally made his Geelong debut over the weekend and is no certainty to remain at Kardinia Park beyond this year.

Oliver Henry

Henry is among several young Magpies yet to recommit at Olympic Park despite Collingwood's 2022 re-signing spree.

Recent reports have suggested the Magpies and Henry aren't near concluding their contract discussions, only prompting speculation around the 20-year-old's future.

While Henry is tipped to remain at the Magpies, the incoming arrival of Daniel McStay may mean the young forward will be pushed further back in the club's pecking order of forward targets.

Henry has been among Craig McRae's most exciting forwards this year, but is currently strapped to playing at VFL level.

Blake Acres

Acres' future at Fremantle could rely on Luke Jackson's much-awaited decision.

It's been reported the Dockers are placing a section of their salary to the side in their move to lure Jackson back home, meaning several unsigned Dockers will need to tread water in before knowing where their future lies.

Acres has recently been named among those who could be pushed out should the Cockburn club should Jackson arrive, with Joel Hamling, Griffin Logue and Rory Lobb also linked to the exit.

Acres is enjoying a career season in 2022, and would offer a silver service for any club looking to bolster their wing stocks.

Brandan Parfitt

While Geelong reportedly move for a ready-made midfielder, their own ball-winner in Parfitt is yet to recommit at Kardinia Park.

Despite being cleared for a return, the 24-year-old was not named at senior level in recent weeks before a medical sub stint against the Bulldogs over the weekend.

Currently unsigned and surprisingly no guarantee to be in Geelong's best 22, could Parfitt consider a move elsewhere?

The Northern Territory product might be a fitting target for a club like Adelaide, who are also looking to bolster their midfield stocks for next season.

Another unlikely departure, but with his future yet to be secured rival interest will only increase.

Jake Lloyd

While all the talk has been around Lance Franklin's rumoured chances of leaving the Swans and Josh Kennedy's potential retirement call, little has been said of Jake Lloyd's situation in Bondi.

That may be a good thing, with no news often a key indicator that an off-contract player is settled in their current role and not looking elsewhere.

Lloyd is among several senior Swans still without a deal, but has noted he isn't fazed by waiting on a call for this future, with his preference to be staying in Sydney beyond this year.

The 28-year-old holds a leading role in John Lomgire's rearguard and will be critical to their premiership credentials in the coming years.

Mason Cox

The American Magpie is yet to be confirmed by Collingwood as a retention signing for 2023, despite the club having secured  13 signatures already this year.

Cox's future may rely on the situation that surrounds contracted ruckman Brodie Grundy, who has been linked to an exit at the AIA Centre this season.

Should Grundy remain in black and white, along with Lions free agent Daniel McStay making his way to the Magpies and Darcy Cameron holding onto a ruck-forward role, there may not be enough room for Cox at Collingwood.

The Magpies waited until the end of October last year to hand Cox a one-year extension, but an improved role this year is likely to see his stay in the AFL prolonged.

Nic Naitanui

The Eagles veteran is again seeing his season riddled with injury after finally piecing together a full campaign last year.

Now back in the selection mix, Naitanui will look to play out the remaining matches of the season before turning his attention to 2023, where he is yet to lock in his future.

Like the aforementioned Todd Goldstein, Naitanui would off a contending club a platinum service one a budget one-year contract, while the Eagles can turn their attention to developing their younger talls.

Should he get his body right, the 32-year-old could claim that elusive premiership.