Untried Sydney small forward Jacob Konstanty is one of a raft of players left in limbo during the 2024 AFL Trade Period and is currently left without a contract for next year.
Konstanty has been likened to Tom Papley, but after being taken with Pick 20 in the 2022 National Draft, has failed to make an impression on coach John Longmire that's warranted a debut.
The 19-year-old has been forced to bide his time in the VFL, falling behind the likes of Sam Wicks and Caiden Cleary, while the inclusion of veteran Taylor Adams pushed him further down the line.
The Swans are yet to offer an extension to Konstanty for 2025, a fact that has rival clubs circling.
"We'll sit down with the club after the season. He doesn't know his future at the moment," Konstanty's agent, Dave Trotter, informed AFL Media show Gettable a month ago.
"He might still have a spot at Sydney. It's just that Sydney have a strong list and they don't have a lot of list spots. They want to bring a few players in through the draft and don't have many guys out of contract.
"If it wasn't Sydney... he's got a couple of clubs who really liked him in his draft year."
"Keep an eye on Jacob Konstanty at Sydney. Looks like hes on the move back to Victoria, hasn't played a game at Sydney. If he does come home, it will be after the Trade period, likely as a Delisted Free agent."
- @jdonohoe12 on a potential move at Sydney
— AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 11, 2024
It was indicated on AFL Trade Radio on Friday that the Victorian could return to his home state via free agency as a delisted free agent if a contract isn't offered by the 2024 grand finalists.
The move would be in the same vein as Carlton's Jack Martin, who was delisted by the club but will join Geelong as a delisted free agent early next month.
As for Konstanty's next potential destination, there is a host of Victorian clubs that could use a small, pressure forward in their mix.
Especially if it comes at little cost.
Essendon is one that immediately springs to mind, and although they will secure Isaac Kako in the upcoming National Draft, could bolster their forward stocks.
Konstanty will come into consideration as well given Jake Stringer's desire to move to GWS on a longer deal.
Richmond and North Melbourne are always in the market for a talented youngster given where both lists are at.
The Kangaroos lack a genuine small forward and have previously used mid-sized players to fill the crumbing role.
The Tigers hold a raft of young forwards currently coming through the ranks but the inclusion of Konstanty could add to the chaotic forward line coach Adem Yze is aiming to implement.
Carlton could be a left-field option to potentially replace Matt Owies, whose future at Ikon Park is still in the air.
