The future of Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead remains in the balance, with the 31-year-old currently without a contract for 2019.

Following the Hawks' loss to Melbourne and their second straight sets exit from the finals in three years, Roughead's future is now a big talking point, although coach Alastair Clarkson addressed the media on the issue post-game.

"No, no, we've had the discussions and he's playing at Hawthorn next year," Clarkson said.

However, the four-time premiership coach has moved on players like Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis in the past, and Herald Sunย journalist Sam Landsberger believes Roughead could be on his way out too.

โ€œMy understanding is at least two clubs are seriously thinking about taking a punt on Jarryd Roughead next year,โ€ Landsberger told Fox Sports Newsโ€™ AFL Tonightย on Friday.

โ€œWe know the situation - Clarkoโ€™s had that frank conversation very early, unlike with Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis, we all know about it.

โ€œRoughy has said openly he wants to play for another two or three years and we donโ€™t expect heโ€™ll get that opportunity at Hawthorn.

โ€œItโ€™s starting to look like it will play out that way.โ€

The skipper finished with 15 disposals, six tackles and two goals in his side's 33-point loss to Melbourne on Friday.