Sydney is said to be in the box seat to sign Fremantle free agent Joel Hamling this off-season, while Collingwood may also be keen on the veteran defender.

Hamling does have a deal on the table from Fremantle for next year as he weighs up his future at Cockburn, with the market for key backmen one of the busiest in this year's player movement space.

The 30-year-old played four games under Justin Longmuir this year following a recent injury battle, with the former Geelong and Western Bulldogs defender putting together a strong season in the WAFL for grand finalists Peel Thunder.

Setbacks have limited Hamling to just six games over the past three years, with his body now looking primed to see out a full season following the coming pre-season.

That might not be in purple though, withย The Herald Sunย reporting Hamling is likely to land with the Swans through the coming free agency signing window - which will open this Friday.

The move east is one that will afford Hamling greater security as he enters the twilight of hi career.

AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has also revealed Victorian clubs are looking into the premiership Bulldog, with Collingwood, a club that could come calling if their pursuit of Adelaide defender Tom Doedee falls through.

"Joel Hamling has interest from a few clubs. Sydney being one of those," Claeary told theย Tradies Podcast.ย 

"He's got an offer from Fremantle at the moment, there's a few clubs in Victoria having a look at him.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Joel Hamling of the Dockers spoils a mark from Jack Darling of the Eagles during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on April 29, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"I wouldn't be surprised, if the Pies missed out on Doedee, if they had a look. But the Swans are into him."

If Sydney are successful in their chase for Hamling, the Dockers defender could be the club's second-second free agency signing of 2023 amid their interest in Melbourne's James Jordon.

Jordon is understood to have identified Sydney as his club of choosing ahead of the opening of the week-long free agency period.

Both Hamling and Jordon are unrestricted free agents and can't have their rivalling offers matched by the Dockers or Demons, however both clubs can attain free agency compensation.

Free agency will open on Friday and will until Friday, October 13.