Contracted Melbourne midfielder James Harmes has confirmed he's "interested in having a fresh start" and has begun speaking to clubs as he looks to find a new home.
Harmes' plans to explore options elsewhere this off-season come with the approval of the Demons, who are open to trading the 27-year-old if a rival bidder comes calling.
Speaking to reporters at aย TABย event on Tuesday, Harmes said 2023 had been a difficult year for him, with a new beginning something he'd like to survey.
"Honestly at the moment it's all up in the air a bit," the Melbourne midfielder said.
"I had my exit meeting, it all went really smoothly and 'Goody' and Tim Lamb are happy for me to explore my options.
"My manager's doing that at the moment ... if I'm back at Melbourne next year I'm back there, but I'll just let him deal with all that.
"This year was pretty hard for me personally. I just said to the club I'd be interested in having a fresh start.
"I've spoken to a couple of clubs, got a few things over the next few days, so we'll see what happens."
Carlton, Richmond, Sydney, and Essendon have each been linked to the 152-gamer, with the latter understood to have met with Harmes last year.
Sydney are already set to swoop on a Demons onballer this off-season as free agent James Jordon plans a move to the Harbour City.
Richmond could be a suitable landing spot for Harmes as former Melbourne midfield coach Adem Yze begins his tenure at Punt Road as Damien Hardwick's replacement.
The potential departures of Harmes and Jordon come as stunning speculation surrounds superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver.
Melbourne are said to be open to the idea of trading Oliver if the right deal arises, with rival clubs already weighing up a potential move for the four-time best and fairest winner.
