Both Richmond and St Kilda will send players overseas this off-season as they seek medical advice from specialists abroad.
The Tigers are deciding to leave "no stone unturned" for second-year defender Josh Gibcus, who was sidelined for the entirety of the 2023 season due to a significant hamstring strain that derailed his sophomore campaign in the preseason.
A setback would occur in May to end the East Point product's year in what was a dampening result for the Punt Road club and the former top 10 pick, who was looking to add to an impressive first year in the top flight.
In a move to hopefully aid the key backman for the long term, Gibcus will fly across the globe to undergo further treatment under Richmond's approval.
"It's really just about leaving no stone unturned for Josh," Tigers talent manager Blair Hartley said.
"He's unfortunately found himself not playing a game this year. We've got one of the best physio teams in the country, but that doesn't stop us from going overseas and looking at what's best for Josh and his rehab."
The Tigers aren't alone in the worldwide manoeuvre, with the Saints following suit with hampered wingman Dan McKenzie.
Despite the St Kilda midfielder still being unsigned for next season, McKenzie - who was unable to make a return to the field this season after suffering a calf strain in the pre-season - is also heading abroad as part of his rehabilitation.
St Kilda list manager Stephen Silvagni has revealed the 27-year-old free agent's future is still up in the air but he is pursuing further medical advice away overseas.
"It's a work in progress with him," Silvagni said of McKenzie.
"He's actually heading off overseas to get some specialist advice on one of his injuries.
"So we'll wait and see what happens here."
McKenzie, who has played 73 games in the red, white and black since his debut in 2015, is among six players at Moorabbin off-contract.
Among that crop is free agent Jade Gresham, who is set to join Essendon this week, while defender Nick Coffield is hopeful of a move to the Western Bulldogs.
Tom Campbell, Hunter Clark and Thomas Highmore are the remaining Saints yet to secure their future under Silvagni's watch.
