From Brownlow medallists and flag stars, to rising young guns: Your club’s out-of-contract players

We are past the midway point of the AFL season, and starting to get a clearer picture on where certain players fit in their clubs’ plans.

Some face an anxious wait through the trade period in October to see if they will receive a contract lifeline, while the biggest remaining free agents are yet to show their hand. We spoke to industry sources in clubland and player management to get the lowdown on where each club’s out-of-contract players sit.

James Borlase (unrestricted free agent), Jordon Butts (UFA), Brayden Cook, Billy Dowling, Charlie Edwards, Hugo Hall-Kahan (UFA), Mitch Hinge (UFA), Chayce Jones (UFA), Finnbar Maley, Luke Pedlar, Oscar Ryan, Lachie Sholl (UFA), Zac Taylor, Taylor Walker (UFA), Tyler Welsh (UFA).

Breakout utility Cook is in advanced discussions on a two-year deal. Key defenders Borlase and Butts will have options if they choose to play elsewhere, and Adelaide may not retain both. North Melbourne, who tried to woo Butts last year while he was still under contract, and the Bulldogs are keen to recruit him. Edwards is a first-round pick from three years ago who has played only twice at senior level, while Jones could end up an option for Tasmania eventually, and Pedlar is often mentioned as someone who could seek a fresh start.

Zac Bailey (restricted free agent), Luke Beecken, Darcy Fort, Darragh Joyce (UFA), Ryan Lester (UFA), Luke Lloyd, Sam Marshall, Lincoln McCarthy (UFA), Conor McKenna, Will McLachlan, Lachie Neale (UFA), Reece Torrent, James Tunstill, Dayne Zorko (UFA).

Bailey joins Zak Butters and Ben King as the league’s most-coveted free agents, and will receive more money to play for a different club. Adelaide and Port Adelaide are among the interested parties, as well as Victorian teams. The Lions face several retention battles, with Neale’s future a major talking point after his marriage breakdown. Brisbane want to keep him, but he has options in three other states, including at Collingwood. Marshall, who spent his draft year in Melbourne, is another one to watch.

Jordan Boyd, Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale, Harry Charleson, Wade Derksen (UFA), Matt Duffy, Francis Evans (UFA), Lachie Fogarty, Nick Haynes, Elijah Hollands (UFA), Ollie Hollands, Mitch McGovern (UFA), Rob Monahan, Nic Newman (UFA), Hudson O’Keeffe, Flynn Riley, Adam Saad, Zac Williams (UFA), Billy Wilson, Flynn Young, Lewis Young.

This is an interesting group – most of whom are fringe and/or veteran types – as the Blues enter a new era after former coach Michael Voss’ departure, along with list manager Nick Austin. Williams’ big-money free agency de