Brisbane backman Brandon Starcevich is reportedly "seriously contemplating" his future with the Lions ahead of a call on his next contract.
Starcevich is eligible for free agency under the restricted band, meaning the reigning premiers can match a bid and force a trade deal with a rival club keen on the Western Australian.
While Starcevich might earn interest from his home state, clubs in Victoria are said to be circling, with Essendon already identified as one club keen on the 25-year-old.
The Bombers would have to weigh up a play for the lockdown defender given a successful move for Starcevich could hamper the potential free agency compensation they may receive if they lost ruckman Sam Draper through the same mechanism.
North Melbourne is also believed to have "had a look" at Starcevich after failed plays for Collingwood's Brayden Maynard and Adelaide's Wayne Milera.
"There's a free agent who is seriously contemplating his future who is going under the radar," AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey told Gettable.
"Brandon Starcevich's contract call is an intriguing one. One of the more intriguing in the competition.
"Brisbane had short and longer term offers in front of him for months, and they continue to do that. They want to keep him.
"Starcevich is going through the process. Meeting clubs and thinking hard about what it would mean to leave Brisbane.
"Playing up the ground in midfield roles in part of the deal, and where the club can suit that sort of role.
"Essendon are in that race, North Melbourne has had a look as well. I don't think (the Roos) go down that route as much with Starcevich.
"He's got a big call to make."
Starcevich has faced further questions over his career after a series of concussions, with his most recent coming in Round 1 against Sydney, which saw him sidelined until Round 14, with Starcevich since playing every game for the Lions.
He featured in 21 matches last year on the way to a grand final win, with the 188cm defender known for his ability to quell the game's best small forwards.
In his absence this year, the Lions have found some success in Noah Answerth, who joins Starcevich in facing a selection squeeze as Brisbane prepares to have the duo and Keidean Coleman, Dayne Zorko and Darcy Wilmot all available for the first time since the start of last year.
