Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon are among the teams showing interest in former Saint Paddy McCartin, according to SEN's Sam Edmund.

It comes after AFL greats Tim Watson and Garry Lyon both discussed that they believe the former Pick 1 is likely to return to the league in 2021.

Watson named the Sydney Swans as a landing spot for McCartin, a link confirmed by Edmund, also stating that the Cats, Magpies and Bombers have touched base.

McCartin's brother Tom plays at the Swans, making them a logical destination for the 24-year old.

The key forward played 35 games for the Saints from 2015 to 2019, booting 34 goals over that period.

He has suffered eight concussions since 2014 which led to his delisting at the end of the 2019 season.

McCartin has since gained medical clearance to resume playing, but industry sources say it will be harder than ever to get on an AFL list amid impending cutbacks.