The 2023 AFL season has well and truly ticked into the business end of proceedings, and with that, the on-field activity becomes increasingly captivating.
Discussion and debate about the state of umpiring, dangerous tackles and the MRO, 'wildcard' finals formats – and everything else of the like – has dominated the league's agenda to this point in the year.
However, as we edge excitedly closer to the flag-deciding matchups of this season, we also creep closer to the off-season; signalling free agency and trades!
As is the case every season, an array of appealing talent is potentially up for grabs.
In this three-part series, we're not necessarily analysing each club's biggest or most popular off-contract names. Rather, we've examined every squad's most intriguing crop of players whose contract situations provoke curiosity.
So, without further ado, let's explore the first six teams and their off-contract assets.
3. Carlton
Tom De Koning
De Koning has been one of, if not the most, speculated off-contract trade targets for opposition sides searching for a long-term key-position pillar. Hence, his situation needs no further introduction.
The blonde-haired Blue has flashed glimpses of considerable talent across his six-season career to date – particularly last year – boasting a portfolio that promotes the acclaimed 'athletic ruck-forward' archetype.
De Koning's management has certainly been propositioned by rival clubs searching for a long-term key-position pillar, with the Blues understood to be attempting to zero in on a short-term addendum to his current deal.
Mitch McGovern
McGovern's contract situation is an intriguing one for the Blues and any clubs potentially monitoring with keen interest.
Do the Blues view McGovern as an essential player beyond this season? The 28-year-old, despite previous injury hindrances, has played 14 games this year, already representing the third-most he's played in a season in his eight-year career.
The intercept-marking defender, while he has played eight AFL seasons, has only served five of them at Princes Park, precluding him from possessing a free-agent status.
Therefore, if Carlton elects not to re-sign McGovern, any suitor would need to strike a trade agreement with the Blues.
Jack Silvagni
Silvagni has been a whipping boy for the Blues at times, falling in and out of favour with Carlton's match committee, usually depending on the opponent.
The father-son Blue's role in Michael Voss' side isn't a simple one to comprehend, as, while he doesn't play in the exact same mould as high-marking, match-winning forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, he still plays an integral role forward of the ball for the Blues.
While Silvagni is certainly capable of taking the big marks himself, a lot of his value lies in what he does for Carlton that most supporters might not notice; such as impacting marking contests and bringing balls to ground, blocking for Curnow and McKay's stretching leads, and the general acceptance of being the third-in-line key option up forward.
However, following the revelation of McKay's six-to-eight-week injury timeline, more goal-production onus will fall on Silvagni, particularly as the Blues mount a finals assault. Across his eight-year Blues career, though, Silvagni has never averaged more than 0.9 goals per game in a season.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
While his father, Stephen, has moved onto greener pastures as Moorabbin's list expert, the same probably shouldn't be expected of Jack, who's more likely than not to be rewarded with a contract extension at Princes Park, especially considering the likelihood of De Koning departing at season's end.
Paddy Dow
Dow's future on Royal Parade appears sealed, despite appearances in Michael Voss' side in recent weeks.
While there are question marks over the Carlton futures of the aforementioned De Koning, McGovern, and even Silvagni, Dow's situation seems the most clean-cut; there likely isn't a future for him in navy blue beyond 2023.
Consistently middling play has resulted in him being overlooked at selection most weeks. All four of Dow's appearances this season have come as the activated substitute, averaging just 9.8 disposals per game in those contests, short of his modest career average of 13.4.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
In terms of the prioritised occupants of Carlton's engine room, the Blues are trotting out Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra, Matthew Kennedy and George Hewett most weekends, as Dow generally bides his time with the VFL Blues.
There hasn't been a lot of room for him to make his mark since the arrivals of Carlton's recent trade acquisitions, however, prior to them, Dow was afforded plenty of chances to prove he belongs at AFL level, playing 39 games across his first pair of AFL seasons.
While there's still time to alter the narrative before the year is out, Dow's management is likely surveying their alternative options for 2024.
