Multiple Victorian clubs are understood to be showing some level of interest in contracted Giants onballer Jacob Hopper this season.

Hopper, who has been limited to just one appearance in 2022 after multiple knee surgeries, is currently contracted to GWS until the end of next year.

The 25-year-old last re-signed with the New South Wales club at the end of last season following previous interest from clubs south of the border.

The Leeton product could ponder a switch to Victoria at season's end, with the Giants also potentially opening to departing with the midfielder's services as a 'pre-agent'.

That could allow the club to gain greater assets at the trade table rather than see Hopper walk at the cessation of next season.

The Giants are expected to have keen suitors emerge in pursuit of Hopper's signature, withย AFL.com.au'sย Callum Twomey reporting Geelong and Richmond are among the clubs linked to the Giants ball-winner.

JACOB HOPPER
Midfield
GWS
ROUND 1 STATS
17
Disposals
2
Tackles
5
Clearances

Essendon may also rekindle past interest in Hopper, with the trio of Victorian clubs attempting to raid the West Sydney side this off-season.

The Cats, Tigers, Bombers and Magpies have also recently been linked to Hopper's teammate and fellow midfielder Tim Taranto, who is yet to recommit to the orange and charcoal beyond this year.

Taranto, who hails from Victoria, could be open to a return to his home state, while Hopper may also be tempted to look elsewhere as GWS look to balance their extensive list of star onballers.

With Hopper set to return this weekend against the Lions, interim coach Mark McVeigh will have the likes of Taranto, Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward and Hopper at his disposal for the first time this year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Lachie Whitfield, Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto of the Giants look dejected after losing the round 9 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium on May 15, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Hopper has played 108 games for the Giants since joining the club as the seventh overall selection in the 2015 National Draft, with GWS able to match Gold Coast's bid for the Academy graduate.

Key calls on the futures of both Hopper and Taranto could hinge on the Giants' looming coaching call, with McVeigh, former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, and Demons assistant Adem Yze believed to be in the mix for the vacancy.

McVeigh will be looking to even his season record at the helm this weekend as the Giants host Brisbane at Manuka Oval on Saturday at 1:45pm (AEST).