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.
4. Collingwood
Ash Johnson
Johnson, hailing from Sturt, seems primed to turn his back on interstate overtures and return to Olympic Park at the end of the year, provided there isn't a late change of heart.
A Herald Sun report states a belief that Johnson will recommit to the Magpies despite 'strong rival interest' throughout this year.
There's a logjam of forwards at Collingwood, including the likes of Johnson, Brody Mihocek, Dan McStay and Mason Cox.
Senior opportunities have been slim pickings for Johnson, who arrived at Collingwood midway through the 2021 season. The South Australian played nine games in 2022 before adding another 14 thus far this season, however, he was substituted out in three contests this year.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
While the competition for spots between Johnson, Mihocek and McStay is set to continue into the future if Johnson is indeed retained, a bigger question mark remains hanging over the impending decision on Mason Cox's contract.
Mason Cox
Due to a relative lack of reliable key-position depth both in the ruck and forward line, the Magpies may feel obliged to hand Cox another extension at Olympic Park.
Not only is Cox Collingwood's preferred second ruckman behind Darcy Cameron, but he's also a proven, accurate goalkicker, assisting adequately forward of the ball when he's not rucking.
Cameron has battled injury multiple times this season, making Cox's importance to Collingwood's flag assault all the more crucial as finals time creeps closer.
Ex-Brisbane recruit McStay has struggled to get onto the park in his first season as a Magpie, sidelined by a combination of injury and illness to this point, while questions remain over Mihocek's ability to hold down the number one key forward role at Collingwood.
Hence, while Cox, 32, isn't in the prime years of his career, his knowledge of Collingwood's desired play style, as well as the valuable depth he represents, leads to the presumption he is most likely offered another deal.
Further, while he's a restricted free agent, it's hard to see another side putting forth a substantial offer sheet to the American.
