Melbourne mercurial forward Bayley Fritsch has been named as one to watch throughout 2025 as his future at the Demons has been thrown up in the air.

Fritsch is contracted until the end of 2026, but amid the turmoil at Melbourne, which saw stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca attempt to depart, the left-footer could see a similar fate.

At his best, the 28-year-old is a 40-plus goal forward at a deadly rate, including hauls of 59 and 55 in seasons 2021 and 2022.

But a slow start to 2025, including an equal career-low four-disposal outing against North Melbourne due to poor ball movement and inside 50 entries, could see Fritsch seek greener pastures.

The fadeout and future of Melbourne's frailest line
Bayley Fritsch during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

That is, according to journalist and Tradies host Sam McClure.

"He's 28, he's a good age, he's got one more big deal in him," McClure said.

"He is, in many ways, emblematic of Melbourne's decline.

"But if you're able to give him decent service, he's a clinical finisher.

"The more Melbourne continues to struggle, both in win-loss ratio and also, moving the ball forward, he's going to have his head turned, and might bring his value down, which will make him attractive to other clubs.

"Right now, and if this form dip personally and with the team continues, you could be able to snag Bayley for a pick in the late 20s.

"There are so many teams in the competition that could use a Bayley Fritsch."

When asked if Fritsch is 'up or grabs' this year, McClure replied "yep".

Hawthorn and Collingwood immediately spring to mind from a needs basis.

Both the Hawks and Pies have ageing forwards, namely Jack Gunston, Luke Breust and Jamie Elliott.

The unlikely Hawk following in the footsteps of champion teammates
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Jack Gunston of the Hawks celebrates a goal with teammates Luke Breust and Calsher Dear during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the GWS GIANTS at UTAS Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Collingwood's opening selection currently comes at Pick 33 after selling their first-rounder to land Dan Houston. But they'll need to be weary of father-son prospect Tom McGuane's progress, with pundits believing he could be a first-rounder.

Hawthorn holds Pick 23 (tied to Carlton), as well as a pair of frist-round picks, which could help sweeten the deal if they were to pursue Fritsch.

North Melbourne could also target the premiership forward, given they currently hold Picks 24 (tied to Richmond) and 29 in the 2025 draft.

Sydney's forward woes could be bolstered by the proven goalkicker, and holding Pick 27 could be used in negotiations.