North Melbourne midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke is anticipated to become "the most sought-after player in the game" next year, with a trio of clubs tipped to "throw the absolute kitchen sink" at the star Kangaroo as he hits pause on contract talks beyond 2025.
Davies-Uniacke is in line to hit free agency at the cessation of next season, with the two-year extension that the 24-year-old signed in 2022 coming to an end.
The Roos have managed to secure Harry Sheezel (2030), Nick Larkey (2029) and Jy Simpkin (2029) to long-term contracts, with Davies-Uniacke looming as the most important player for the future at Arden Street.
The former Pick 4 selection has found little success across his seven seasons in the blue and white, recording just 18 wins since joining the club in 2017.
The situation at North Melbourne could force Davies-Uniacke to consider his options next year, with the club's direction a looming factor for the star onballer's future.
According to News Corp's Jay Clark, Davies-Uniacke has decided to hold off discussions for a new deal with the Roos until next season.
His decision to wait until his free agency year is likely to garner interest from rivals keen to bolster their midfield stocks, with Clark anticipating St Kilda, Essendon and Adelaide will come hard for the Rye product.
"Next year he will become the most sought-after player in the game," Clarks said of Davies-Uniacke on Midweek Tackle.
"He is a restricted free agent next year. St Kilda, Essendon and Adelaide are going to throw the absolute kitchen sink at this man.
"He's in no hurry to sign. He's won 18 games of his last 91. Isn't it smart to just hold the phone and see the direction of the football club.
"Next year he is going to have every club after him."
The Roos, who are keen to have Davies-Uniacke recommit long-term, are currently looking to have 2024 free agent Cameron Zurhaar extend his stay beyond this season.
Zurhaar is said to have been tabled a lengthy deal by the club, with a five-year offer that would take the Western Australian to the end of the decade there to sign.
As well as Davies-Uniacke's signature next year, the Roos will also be keen to re-sign ruckman Tristan Xerri, forward Paul Curtis and young swingman Charlie Comben beyond 2025.