Lachie Hunter during the round seven AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.
In the wake of recent reports, it appears that Western Bulldogs winger Lachie Hunter may be weighing up his future at the club, with the idea of a fresh start elsewhere on the cards.
A hard-running left footer, Hunter has struggled with consistency in recent seasons after being a regular since his debut in 2013.
The 27-year-old played just 10 games this year after taking indefinite leave early in the season due to personal matters, averaging 19.5 disposals, 5.4 marks and 2.6 tackles per game.
A part of the famous 2016 premiership side, Hunter has played 173 games for the Bulldogs and despite having two years left on his current deal, he could look elsewhere for a refresh to continue his career.
In no particular order, we've compiled a list of five potential clubs that could look at Hunter for 2023 beyond should he choose depart Whitten Oval in next week's trade period.
It seems GWS could be linked to almost every midfielder on the market given the looming exodus of key midfield figures such as Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Tanner Bruhn.
With Hunter potentially on the market, he could be a great fit for Giants, who will enter a new era under senior coach Adam Kingsley.
At 27, Hunter is still in a perfect age bracket for most sides and with midfield spots open at the Giants, he could slot straight in as an experienced wingman with a fresh mindset to compete.
The move would also provide an escape from Victoria, if he wishes, and could be a great landing spot as the Giants seek a return to the finals after a disappointing 2022 campaign.
In a similar vein to GWS, a spot at the Suns could be just what Hunter needs to start fresh and where better than an emerging side who will be eager to secure more mature age talent to complement their young, exciting list.
With the Suns eager to clear up salary space, taking a chance on Hunter may not cost them much but would provide much needed talent and depth on their wings.
With injuries set to keep a few key runners out of the side early in the 2023 season, Hunter could come straight into Stuart Dew's side and become a key part to their success.
With Gold Coast hunting their first ever finals appearance, Hunter's experience at the Bulldogs could be hugely beneficial and could even be utilised to pass tricks onto the emerging young outside players on the list.
With the Dockers likely to lose wingmen Blake Acres and Darcy Tucker in the upcoming trade period, Hunter could be the perfect solution to fill those holes.
Where could a move for the 27-year-old tie in for the Dockers? Answer: the Rory Lobb trade.
While the Dockers are reluctant to trade away Lobb, should a trade occur, Hunter should be strongly considered in the trade.
Not only is it an opportunity to leave Victoria but to join a competitive yet young side might be the perfect fit for Hunter.
Fremantle will be looking for another finals finish after a successful 2022 campaign and with the club likely wanting running wingmen to come in and replace the outgoings, it could be a perfect match.
Justin Longmuir knows how to get the best out of his wingmen, with both Acres and James Aish enjoying career-best campaigns in 2022 and we could see Hunter return to his damaging form in 2023...potentially in purple.
Should he wish to remain in Victoria, the Saints could be the perfect spot for Hunter to continue his career in 2023 and beyond.
In similar fashion to the Dockers, St Kilda appear set to lose running pair Brad Hill and Hunter Clark this off-season and Hunter would be a perfect, cheap alternative to slot into the side.
While he might not be as much of a walk-in starter as he would be at the other clubs on this list, at the very least he would provide more competition and depth for the wing position at St Kilda.
With fellow left-footer Mason Wood largely operating on the left wing at the Saints, Hunter could come in to slot in that position to allow Wood to roam either back or forward when needed on that left side.
Definitely a side to keep an eye on for Hunter's footballing future.
Could the loss of Hawthorn-bound winger Karl Amon allow Port to chase Hunter this off-season?
As has been mentioned with the other clubs on this list, plenty of sides are eager to secure wingmen with the importance of outside play crucial to the game-plans of the very best sides in the competition.
With a spot for a left-footed winger at Alberton, the Power could be another ideal place for Hunter to continue his football in 2023.
He's generally a good user, a hard runner, can hit the scoreboard and would fit the age bracket perfectly at Port, as they also look for a return to the finals next season.
After failed pursuits of Kysaiah Pickett and Josh Dunkley, the Power seem eager to be players this off-season and the recruitment of Hunter could be a great option if the chance arises.