MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: Josh Corbett of the Suns is congratulated by team mates after kicking a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Gold Coast Suns at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 01, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Essendon and Melbourne have emerged as keen suitors for off-contract Suns forward Josh Corbett.

Corbett has already been tied to Fremantle as clubs continue to circle the 26-year-old, who played just four games at AFL level in 2022.

The North Warrnambool product was an impressive piece of the Suns' VFL side that landed a preliminary final finish this year, booting 25 goals from 12 games in the second-tier competition.

Corbett amassed a total of 23 goals from 16 games for the Suns' senior side last season, however he found opportunities scarce in 2022 due to the dominance of Mabior Chol and Levi Casboult in Stuart Dew's attack.

The selection situation, coupled with an expiring contract, has piqued the interest of several clubs this off-season.

The Dockers have been heavily linked to the 2018 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner as they look to sharpen their spear, however the Dons and Demons have now emerged as interested clubs.

According to AFL.com.au, both Essendon and Melbourne are hopeful of luring Corbett back to Victoria as they too hope to bolster their forward stocks.

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The Bombers will be in search of assistance for 53-goal forward Peter Wright after young attacking target Harrison Jones battled injuries throughout this year.

Melbourne's forward line is already potent, however further selection pressure on the likes of Bayley Fritsch, Ben Brown, Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman may be welcomed.

The Demons are anticipated to unleash first-round pick Jacob van Rooyen next season however, after the teenager impressed at VFL level in his first year at the club.

The Suns are open to parting ways with a number of players this year as they look to significantly shift their salary position for the coming seasons, with Corbett looming as a likely departure.

Izak Rankine, Jeremy Sharp, Jack Bowes, Brayden Fiorini and Chris Burgess join Corbett in being linked to the exit in 2022.