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The AFL free agents set to find new clubs and the 30 players who remain unsigned

Free agency is open! Here are the key names linked with a move and those still off-contract.

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Mitch Keating

The 2022 AFL free agency window is open, with the signing period running until 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday, October 7 and set to see a number of star names swap clubs with little resistance.

The introduction of free agency has allowed a bevy of high-profile players to find new homes, with Lance Franklin, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Lynch and Eddie Betts among those that have used their rights as a free agent over the years.

2022 is shaping as a sizeable off-season in the AFL for both trade and free agency, with the latter lever set to see several stars make the switch before we reach the delisted free agency period for further signings.

30 free agents are still unlisted for next season, while five off-contract names are set to see the market shift in the next week.

We take a look at the names set to headline the free agency period for this year and the names that remain unsigned for 2023.

Karl Amon

Likely the first deal to get done in the free agency window, Amon's move to Hawthorn was confirmed over a month ago and could be sorted on the opening day of free agency.

Hawthorn won what was seen to be a four-club race for Amon's services, having had Carlton, St Kilda and Melbourne also listed as keen suitors for the Power wingman.

Amon will link up with former teammates Chad Wingard and Jarman Impey at Bunjil Bagora on a long-term deal and will slot onto a flank under Sam Mitchell as the Hawks look to steer themselves back to finals contention.

The Power are anticipating a potential first-round draft pick as compensation for losing the East Sandringham product given the details around his new contract to join the Hawks.

That selection is sure to aid Port Adelaide's off-season plans, with the Alberton club set to sign Junior Rioli from West Coast

Dan McStay

The Lions forward is seen destined to join Collingwood through free agency, having already confirmed his intentions to return to his home state of Victoria after nine seasons with Brisbane.

McStay will immediately become the Magpies' first-string forward, headlining a balanced attack under Craig McRae as he works alongside the likes of Brody Mihocek, Ash Johnson, Jamie Elliott, Jack Ginnivan and Beau McCreery.

The 27-year-old is tipped to join the Victorian powerhouse on a substantial deal, reported to be in the vicinity of $3 million over five seasons.

McStay has played 161 games for the Lions or a return of 138 games after being utilised through periods of his career in the backline. He's shown an ability to pinch-hit in the ruck, which may be required for Collingwood in the years to come.

Following a preliminary final finish, Collingwood will add a formidable forward option the club has been looking to fill for years after seeing Mihocek, Jordan De Goey, Alex Fasolo and Jamie Elliott claim the club's goalkicking awards since Travis Cloke's last spot atop the mantle.

McStay's arrival may come at a cost however, with young forward Ollie Henry potentially pushed out of McRae's squad.

Brisbane are expected to receive compensation in the second round of the draft for the loss of McStay.

Jordan De Goey

It seems any minute now a decision from the Magpies midfielder could be announced, with reports earlier in the week suggesting De Goey has recommitted to the club.

With nothing official from the Magpies as of yet, and St Kilda stating they remain in the race as late as Thursday, De Goey frames as an intriguing free agency option as the window opens.

It's been quite the ride for De Goey in his planning for the future, seeing a deal from Collingwood pulled from negotiations after a mid-season saga that followed his trip overseas.

But a sizeable offer is back on the table, however a standoff between De Goey and the club remains given clauses around the 26-year-old's behaviour have been included.

It's unlikely the standoff will further open the door for the Saints or Bomber to swoop on the energetic midfield-forward hybrid, but it's certainly keeping it ajar.

The last remaining restricted free agent, Collingwood are able to match any bid for De Goey and force a trade - which would only add another twist to the Magpie's 2022 season.

It's likely Collingwood would be demanding more than a first-round selection for his services and are sure to hold a firm stance should we reach this stage.

Jack Gunston

The champion Hawk is confirmed to find his way to Brisbane after 11 years in the brown and gold, with the Lions quickly filling a void in their attacking third.

The Lions look set to move on from the imminent departure of Dan McStay quickly, with Gunston to stand alongside Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher in Brisbane's forward line as the club continues its push for a premiership.

Any compensation is likely to come quite late into the draft order given Gunston's age and the likely length and value of his contract with the Lions.

The Lions may look to negotiate a trade with Hawthorn however, in a move that wouldn't see their compensation for McStay hindered in any way.

The move will allow the Hawks to place more attention toward Mitch Lewis, Jacob Koschitzke and Emerson Jeka for the future, while Sam Mitchell may have his eyes on a key-forward option at this year's National Draft as they continue to stockpile picks.

Gunston will leave the Hawks after 211 games, where he kicked 410 goals and won three premierships, a Peter Crimmins Medal and an All-Australian selection.

Jayden Hunt

The most recent name to emerge as a free agent potentially on the move, with Hunt linked with a switch across the Nullabor to join West Coast.

The dashing Demons defender was a key feature for Melbourne across the course of the year, enjoying a strong end to his seventh season in red and blue.

With young back-flanker in Trent Rivers, Jake Bowey and midfielder-turned-defender Angus Brayshaw perhaps set to become greater priorities for the Demons in 2023, Hunt now looks to be weighing up his options for the future.

A Victorian native, Hunt could see the interstate departure as an opportunity to be placed as a leader of a younger core, while working alongside the veteran presence of premiership captain Shannon Hurn at the Eagles.