2025 North Melbourne free agent Luke Davies-Uniacke is expected to be "one of the most in-demand players in the competition" next year, with a Victorian rival viewed as the best-placed club to lure the midfield bull away from Arden Street.

Davies-Uniacke is expected to fall under the restricted band on the free agency market next year as his contract reaches its expiry, giving the Roos at least the chance to match a rival's offer.

The 25-year-old, who averaged 27.74 disposals, 5.30 inside 50s, 6.45 clearances and polled 18 Brownlow votes in 2024, is anticipated to have widespread external interest in his services over the next 12 months.

Davies-Uniackeย is seen most likely to remain in the blue and white but could hold off on a call on his future until the midway mark of next year, having managed just 21 wins in his 108-game career with the club.

Should a decision not be made by that point of the season, North Melbourne could be nervous over losing their reigning best and fairest winner, who is anticipated to be fetching offers close to $1.5 million.

"If it gets to the bye next year (and he's yet to re-sign) it's a real worry,"ย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary toldย 3AW.ย 

"He said publicly when he played his 100th game that he sees his future at North Melbourne, but players have said that before and left.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Luke Davies-Uniacke of the Kangaroos runs with the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 02 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on March 25, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"He's gonna have some mega offers with the salary cap going up and as one of the most in-demand players in the competition. He's going to be fending off offers of $1.5 million.

"He'll be restricted. The one benefit North Melbourne will have is that they've got salary cap room to pay it. So whatever a club comes with, North will have the ability to match that contract and force a trade if he does go."

While several sides will be queuing up for Davies-Uniacke's signature should he remain unsigned midway through next year, St Kilda are viewed as the front-runner.

The Saints are anticipated to have a large amount of open salary space for next year's off-season windowing, placing them in a prime position to make a move for the Rye junior.

Cleary believes the Moorabbin club could be "at the front of that list" among clubs circling Davies-Unaicke, having shown an interest in the past.

"I think St Kilda is the one, they've been into Luke for a little while," Cleary added.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Luke Davies-Uniacke of the Kangaroos celebrates kicking a goal during the round 23 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

"If North Melbourne can't win his heart, I'd have St Kilda at the front of that list."

Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw, Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, Carlton big man Tom De Koning and West Coast forward Oscar Allen join Davies-Uniacke as the headline free agent for next year.

1 COMMENT

  1. I would have a close watch on the Pies for any free agents in 2025.
    So many of their ageing list are either finishing their contracts or have just extending their contracts by 12 months puts them into a list and wealth management space that very few other clubs can match.
    Luke Davies-Uniacke is clearly at the top of this targeted group.

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