With the AFL Finals series approaching, season 2021 is coming towards its climax. For the 10 teams who don't feature in the September action they turn their attention to a number of list decisions for 2022.

We decided to put together a team of the best out-of-contract players heading into the finals and off-season.

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Midfielders 

Patrick Ryder (St Kilda)

The Saints ruckman is another who has experienced an injury interrupted season. Ryder has played in 12 games this season, averaging 30 hit-outs per match.

Given the success the Saints have had when Ryder is paired with fellow big man Rowan Marshall, it will be interesting to see if the Saints bring Ryder back in season 2022.

AFL Rd 10 - Gold Coast v St Kilda
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Paddy Ryder of the Saints is chaired from the field after his 250th match during the round 10 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at Metricon Stadium on August 06, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Jacob Hopper (GWS) 

The star Giants midfielder is another of the big names out-of-contract at season's end. The 24-year-old has averaged 26 disposals and six clearances this season and has been a vital part of the Giants resurgence from their early season form slump.

Hopper has the ability to keep developing and become one of the top midfielders in the competition.

JACOB HOPPER
Midfielder
GWS
2021 SEASON AVG
26.3
Disposals
3.8
Tackles
6.4
Clearances

Luke Parker (Sydney) 

A restricted free agent at seasons end, Luke Parker may attract some serious attention from rival clubs.

The 28 year-old has averaged 27 disposals and six clearances per game in 2021 and is destined for a return to finals footy. Parker is also a co-captain of the Swans and was apart of the 2016 All-Australian side.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: (L-R) Luke Parker, Oliver Florent and Ryan Clarke of the Swans celebrate victory after the round seven AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Geelong Cats at Sydney Cricket Ground on May 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Cameron Guthrie (Geelong) 

Cameron Guthrie becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. After taking out the Cats best and fairest last season whilst also earning All-Australian honours, Guthrie is in the prime of his career.

The star on-baller is averaging 30 disposals and five clearances in 2021.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Cameron Guthrie of the Cats runs the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on June 24, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Adam Cerra (Fremantle) 

At just 21 years of age Adam Cerra is already proving to be a wanted signature. Coming out-of-contract this year, the Dockers midfielder is attracting attention from his home state of Victoria, and has already requested a trade home.

Cerra averaged 23 disposals and five inside 50's a match this season.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Adam Cerra of the Dockers gets his kick away under pressure during the round 10 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on May 27, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Jordan Dawson (Sydney Swans)

One of the best kicks in the competition is also falling out-of-contract come season's end. The young Swan has been damaging in 2021, averaging 22 disposals across half-back and on a wing.

Among a plethora of young talent in Sydney, Jordan Dawson has been a critical cog in the Swans rise to September footy this season.

JORDAN DAWSON
Midfielder
Sydney
2021 SEASON AVG
22.3
Disposals
3
Tackles
0.7
Clearances

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