Market interest is expected to shift toward Gold Coast free agent Ben Ainsworth in the second half of the season, while Collingwood are one of two clubs linked to an in-form Hawks hard-nut.
Ainsworth is one of several remaining restricted free agents in 2024, with that list reduced to just five players following this week's re-signings of Lions midfielder Hugh McCluggage and Sydney ace Will Hayward.
Both players had high levels of interest from rival clubs before they recommitted to their respective sides, with those keen suitors now needing to look elsewhere.
Clubs like Adelaide, Carlton, Port Adelaide and Melbourne who are looking to bolster their front half could now be turning their attention to Ainsworth after missing out on Hayward's signature given the similarities in their roles.
According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, Ainsworth is tipped to be in the sights of rivals who missed out in the pursuit of Hayward.
There is still no certainty surrounding other restricted free agents Tim English, Jarrod Berry, Patrick Dangerfield and Blake Hardwick, with the latter also linked to rival clubs.
Hardwick is expected to remain at Hawthorn, but ex-mentors Alastair Clarkson and Craig McRae are said to be keen on potentially luring the versatile Hawk out of Waverley to North Melbourne and Collingwood respectively.
"Blake Hardwick. I expect him to stay at Hawthorn," Cleary told Talking Footy.
"But North Melbourne, with the link with Clarko, and Craig McRae at Collingwood have got a bit of interest in him.
"Ben Ainsworth. Clubs will start to look at him more because Will Hayward has signed (with Sydney). Similar players in the front half.
"I think there will be money in the market for Ben Ainsworth."
Dangerfield is expected to either remain at Kardinia Park in 2025 or potentially call time on his career, with injuries taking their toll on the Geelong skipper so far this season.
English remains a big watch given his star pedigree and expected interest from West Coast. However, the Eagles could be satisfied with their ruck stocks and look to spend money on other areas of the field.
Berry is another who could be expected to stick with the Lions after close mate McCluggage inked a seven-year deal on Tuesday.