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 year, 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 next six teams and their off-contract assets.
6. North Melbourne
Ben McKay
McKay, when healthy, has been a bright spot for the Kangaroos during an otherwise dreary period of time for the club.
However, the key defender is considered likely to swap Arden Street for Tullamarine, according to an SEN report in recent days.
McKay was understood to be putting off North contract talks until the second half of this season but no extension appears imminent, fuelling rumblings of an Arden Street escape.
Todd Goldstein
Despite North Melbourne's youthful age demographic and its commitment to its next generation of young talent, Goldstein is making a compelling case for another contract at North Melbourne, or elsewhere, beyond this season.
Defying his elder status, Goldstein has dominated a number of his ruck matchups this season, remaining a convincing tap-winner and hitout-to-advantage merchant.
Despite his 34-year age and the fact that as an unrestricted free agent he has the right to sign anywhere he likes without resistance, the Roos' list management crew would be considering putting together an attractive remunerative package to convince him to recommit at Arden Street short-term.
The case for another Roos contract for Goldstein is particularly transfixing, as ex-Richmond ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones' recruitment hasn't panned out thus far, while ruckman Tristan Xerri, who remains a promising long-term prospect, has battled injury in 2023 and hasn't definitively proven he's a better rucking option than the veteran.
Further, it seems more unlikely than likely that Goldstein, whose Shinboners career dates all the way back to the 2008 season, decides to switch clubs this late in his AFL career.
Hugh Greenwood
At the time, much was made about Greenwood's contentious Gold Coast Suns delisting at the end of the 2021 season; consequently making his way to Arden Street to play for the Roos.
While popularly dubbed a recruiting success based on Greenwood's physically-imposing, defence-oriented play on the Sunshine Coast, the Tasmanian's North Melbourne impact hasn't met the lofty expectations of North's list management committee.
Greenwood's 2023 per-game disposal mean of 14.5 currently ranks as the worst of his seven-season AFL tenure, as his career average sits at 16.9. His per-game tackle numbers are also at an all-time low compared to past campaigns, averaging 5.0, down from his 6.6 career average.
It would be harsh to suggest Greenwood has contributed to the club's continued stagnation, however, his inclusion unequivocally hasn't been conducive to club success, raising the query of whether or not he's a required Roo beyond this season.
