A pair of favourites have emerged for the Carlton and Essendon jobs.

A premiership Tiger is being hunted by a team in New South Wales.

Hawthorn has tabled an offer to a young forward, with five clubs believed to be hunting his signature.

And a shock secret deal by a Victorian-based club has passed on liability for future head trauma to a player.

All that and more from media buzz...

Who is leading the race for the Carlton job?

Josh Fraser seems to be the favourite candidate to land the Blues' top gig after a stellar interim period since taking over from Michael Voss.

Fraser has yet to officially nominate for the role, but is expected to this week. He is vying for the position alongside Corey Enright, Jaymie Graham, James Kelly and Daniel Giansiracusa.

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Who is leading the race for the Essendon job?

As Dean Solomon officially opted out of the race for the Bombers gig, it opened the door to the four candidates, and Scott Pendlebury for the vacant position.

Surprisingly, Mark McVeigh is tipped to be leading the race for the senior coaching gig over former teammate James Hird.

Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis are also in the running.

Hawks table offer to father-son forward

Hawthorn has put a two-year deal in front of Calsher Dear as a host of rivals look to pursue him.

Melbourne is understood to be very keen on luring him out of Dingley in the promise of more senior opportunities.

The mooted Ben King arrival is set to push Dear further down the key forward pecking order.

Collingwood, St Kilda, Geelong and Carlton are also understood to be in the hunt for his signature.

Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies has also been offered a two-year deal to stay.

A secret deal has shocked the AFL

A Victorian club is understood to have signed a secret deal with a player who's suffered multiple concussions, legally responsible for future head trauma on the field.

The deal means the player assumes all risk for brain injuries even after they finish playing, according to Code Sports.

Despite the obvious concern with the individual's deal, it can set a precedent among the AFL.

Tiger the Giant?

GWS is looking into bringing Dion Prestia to the club next year as he weighs up his future beyond 2026.

Prestia has been a star for the Tigers, and worked closely under Adam Kingsley when he was at Punt Road.

According to the Agenda Setters, the Giants would be looking to bring him across, potentially to play in 2027, but also looking at a future coaching role.

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