Sydney and St Kilda have reportedly expressed some level of interest in Hawthorn veteran Sam Frost ahead of next month's trade period.
Frost recently re-signed with the Hawks on a one-year deal midway through a strong 2024 campaign in the brown and gold, having transformed into a reliable asset on Sam Mitchell's last line.
The 31-year-old's season was cruelly brought to an abrupt close ahead of the club's semi-final against Port Adelaide due to a foot injury, with Frost having played every game for the Hawks to that point of the year.
While Frost guaranteed his future with a contract extension in July, his place as a staple in Mitchell's best 23 could be under pressure next season as Hawthorn prepares to acquire St Kilda free agent Josh Battle and West Coast defender Tom Barrass, who have both confirmed their desire to join the Waverley club.
Both likely to land at Hawthorn on lucrative deals, Frost could be placed fourth or even further back in the pecking order, with Battle and Barrass slotting into integral roles in the Hawks' rearguard while James Blanck eyes a comeback from an ACL injury early next season and youngster Jai Serong continues to press his case for more senior action.
The situation is said to have sparked external interest in Frost's services, with AFL.com.au reporting the Swans and Saints are potentially eyeing moves for the former Melbourne and GWS player.
The Swans have found some support for Tom McCartin this year in the rise of key defender Lewis Melican, but John Longmire's defensive depth options are lacking as 2023 recruit Joel Hamling currently resides as a forward target at VFL level.
Harry Arnold has faced ongoing injury battles since joining the club midway through last season and is yet to get a look at senior level, as is the case for rookie Patrick Snell and youngster William Edwards.
The Saints are also in need of new defensive assets given Battle's departure, however veteran Dougal Howard is said to have sewn up his future for at least another year.
The Moorabbin club is likely to add more youth to its backline options over the off-season, with NGA talent Adrian Cole expected to land on the Saints' list come November's draft window.
Frost has 183 games of AFL experience to his name, having spent three years with GWS before returning to Victoria via a trade to the Demons in 2014. He played 70 games in the red and blue prior to landing at Hawthorn after six years with Melbourne.