Season 2024 and the accompanying trade and free agency periods are left in the review mirror with a stern focus on next month's National Draft.
Whilst all 18 clubs are looking at bringing in the country's best young talent, list managers are also preparing their best pitches in retaining - or luring - some of the game's stars.
Sydney's Chad Warner will be highly sought after by Western Australian clubs as both Fremantle and West Coast sell the dream of playing in his home state.
Western Bulldogs captain enters 2025 in a contract year, but a UFO would have to land on planet Earth to see him depart the Kennel.
Bontempelli and Warner are two of over 250 players who will be looking for extensions beyond next year.
And here are the 10 BIGGEST off-contract names (in team order)...
Brisbane's matchwinner proved his worth during the 2024 finals campaign and would warrant a huge contract extension.
Rayner will enter free agency in 2026 (likely as a restricted free agent) but is a required member of the Lions outfit.
The former Pick 1 pledged his allegiance to the Queensland club recently, but who to say a play from a Victorian rival - Rayner's home state - couldn't lure him south.
Carlton's big man has emerged as one of the hottest commodities in the game and proved to be a real loss to the Blues when he was absent.
Sydney, St Kilda and Geelong tried to get in front of De Koning, offering him a huge deal 12 months ago to no avail.
There's a sense he'll remain put but could field offers that may turn his head.
His brother also plays down the highway.
Arguably one of the most improved ruckmen in the competition, Sam Draper has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, and he's not done with yet.
His athleticism and brute strength are key features of his game, and rival clubs are noticing, in particular, Adelaide.
Draper was drafted out of South Australia from the SANFL, and a homecoming beckons.
The Crows are in desperate need of a star ruckman to lead its youthful on-ballers, but the Bombers won't want to give up the 26-year-old.
Expect a host of other clubs to be circling as well.
The Dockers gun midfielder looks as settled and stable at the West Australian club and is touted as the next captain.
Hailing from Victoria, Brayshaw is without a doubt prepping to receive offers from the Melbourne clubs, in particular St Kilda, who have been crying out for a star midfielder since Lenny Hayes.
The 2022 All-Australian and Players' Association MVP has seen the light at the end of the tunnel after being starved of success at Fremantle, with the club ready to take the leap towards its first premiership.
A premiership defender two years ago but struggled to have the same impact in 2024.
De Koning is blessed with versatility, as proven when thrown into the ruck at times this year by coach Chris Scott.
However, the youngster wasn't selected for the finals series, which begs the question: is he gettable?
De Koning is still way off free agency, so a trade will need to be brokered, but the Cats are used to attracting stars to their club, not losing them.
Most would assume the former No.1 pick would remain at the AFL's "baby" in Queensland, but that's not to say clubs won't come hard for the bustling midfielder.
Rowell is expected to remain at the Suns with best mate Noah Anderson, continuing to forge the club's path to its first finals series.
A Victorian, the Saints would be one of many that is likely to consider a play for the 23-year-old.
A star Giant who is ready to emerge as one of the game's best young talents.
Callaghan has Bontempelli-like tendencies and would suit most clubs, especially those willing to hand over a hefty cheque.
The 21-year-old is getting more midfield minutes and is likely to team up with Tom Green if he stays in New South Wales for the next decade.
However, the lure of home (Melbourne) could be enough for rivals to start prepping their pitch for the classy left-footer.
Callaghan has already been linked with the Saints.
A big decision for North Melbourne's best ball winner awaits.
Holding off re-signing, Davies-Uniacke is waiting to see improvement from the club, like teammate Cam Zurhaar.
The 25-year-old has publically acknowledged his desire to stay at Arden Street, but there's no doubt that the seduction of finals football could see him change guernsey colours.
Arguably the biggest name to watch over the next 12 months.
Warner is already tossing up a move back to his home state (Western Australia), with West Coast and Fremantle planning the coup.
The Swans have a knack of retaining its stars and will be confident of keeping the 23-year-old in New South Wales.
But the heartache of two grand final losses and the go-home factor could spell the end of Warner's time in a Sydney guernsey.
The biggest name in the competition but isn't expected to go anywhere.
Bontempelli captains the Bulldogs and has been "the man" since he joined the club a decade ago.
Fell shy of becoming a premiership skipper but inched closer to joining Scott West as the record holder for the most Charles Sutton medals.
Unless something drastically changes, expect the 'Bont' to be a one-club player.
Miles Bergman (Port Adelaide)
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda)
Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs)