A mid-season trade period is expected to come into the footy calendar as early as next year, but there are sure to be some clubs (and players) who wish deals could be done in May.
The AFL's recent collective bargaining agreement has given the league the power to introduce a mid-year player movement window, with the structure and guidelines for the concept yet to be confirmed.
But with such an idea potentially becoming really within 12 months' time, what would a mid-season trade period look like in 2024?
We've looked at five players who could benefit from a change of scene this season and the potential suitors who could also be attracted to a deal.
These are five moves a hypothetical 2024 mid-year trade period might include...
Demon Adam Tomlinson proved his value in last week's dismantling of St Kilda, being one of Melbourne's best performers in his return game.
The key defender had 12 intercept possessions for 25 disposals on the day, looking comfortable in the air and with the ball in the absence of premiership star Jake Lever.
Lever's eventual return will certainly raise questions as to what Tomlinson's future holds in the red and blue, with coach Simon Goodwin unlikely to keep the former Giant in his starting side given the form of senior duo Steven May and Tom McDonald also.
Off-contract this year after exploring his options in recent seasons, Tomlinson could finally secure a move elsewhere this off-season given his ability in the back half and hunger to play consistent football at senior level.
Despite adding two key defenders to their list over the recent off-season, would Port Adelaide consider a third in the middle of the year given their struggles on the last line?
Tomlinson might be the best option for the Power to move for, but Melbourne might be reluctant to give up the veteran defender if it meant he landed with a fellow finals contender.
The Power could either pay up more than what Tomlinson might be worth on the open market or look toward another name like GWS tall Nick Haynes if they wanted to boost their 2024 flag chances.
Is Fin Macrae AFL standard or just a very good VFL player? There are plenty who fit the mould across the competition and you'd like to think the jury is still out on the former first-round pick.
He's fallen in and out of Craig McRae's side this season given his form at the state league level and struggles in the senior side, but the 22-year-old was able to put forward his best game in the black and white in Round 9 against West Coast - booting three goals from 17 disposals.
It was a bit of a beat-up performance as the reigning premiers were ruthless against a hapless Eagles outfit, but it was at least what we've hoped to see from Macrae.
The young midfielder remains some distance back in Collingwood's midfield pecking order, but would likely find himself closer to the front of the queue with the Eagles given their options in midfield.
While he might not be a starting piece for Adam Simpson, Macrae would likely come ahead of the senior and often hindered duo of Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff at Lathlain Park.
Macrae is the right demographic for the Eagles' list plans, wouldn't cost them much, and could thrive in a new environment with greater reliance.
He's one of many that could interest the Eagles, with North Melbourne's Will Phillips and recent trade target Deven Robertson also suitable fits.
A move that very well could transpire in a matter of months, with Lobb's intentions to depart the Kennel being unveiled in the past week.
The former Fremantle and GWS big man can't break hasn't been able to break into the Dogs' senior side when all of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy have been fit, and rightfully so given the trio's form this year.
All three are key pieces in the Dogs' future, while Lobb, at 31, is now seen as a back-up forward option who can occasionally assist in the middle as support for ruckman Tim English.
Across at Collingwood, the Magpies are down to one ruckman for the next six weeks as Mason Cox (knee), Aiden Begg (knee) and Oscar Steene (foot) each deal with injury concerns, while recent recruit Iliro Smit won't be AFL ready.
Their forward line has also been depleted due to injury, and could do with a mid-season boost in the form of Lobb - who booted 60 goals across his past two campaigns.
A trade would lift the Pies' premiership push while bolstering the Dogs' draft hand, or potentially depth options elsewhere on the ground if they sought a player-for-player deal.
Another move that's been raised in recent time, with Parker's position on the outer of the Swans' side so far this season raising the question as to whether there's a win-win deal for the Swans and a side in need of a midfielder or experience.
North Melbourne needs to fill both, with their engine room lacking that senior talent that can help mentor their emerging ranks.
The Roos could even pay a premium for the 31-year-old, who still has plenty of good football left, while the Swans can add to their draft hand while bidding farewell to a player not yet required in their strong premiership push.
The Swans have stated Parker is a required player for this season and next, but he's sure to be of great interest to the Kangaroos as they continue to build their list.
Other experienced onballers North Melbourne could consider are Essendon's Dylan Shiel, Giant Callan Ward and Port Adelaide's Travis Boak.
This move sees the Suns add a needed defensive asset as they inch toward a finals berth while the Cats attempt to strengthen their draft hand.
Gold Coast have struggled at times this year to tame the opposition's small forward threats, while some run from the backline has also been a weakness this year.
Bews, who is yet to feature at senior level in 2024, has commonly featured in the VFL for Geelong despite being at the standard of the elite level.
A trade that would see Bews head north and help the Suns' finals push would likely include a draft selection landing in the Cats' lap, while Geelong also might part with a late draft selection or two to help the Suns' hand given their need to access more Academy talent later this year.