This season is shaping up to be an opportune platform for several off-contract players to prove they're in line for substantial pay rises ahead of inking their next deals.
The opening 10 rounds have seen a handful of players reach new heights and career-best form in a timely manner as their current deals reach their cessation at season's end.
Each club currently has a raft of names unsigned for next season as they move through 2022, with already-announced stars, emerging prospects and bargain buys among those set to place further pressure on their respective club's purse strings.
With over 200 players unsigned for next season, we take a look at EIGHT who are set to earn bumper deals following hot starts to the season.
3. Daniel McStay
The in-form Lions forward has already had his name run through the rumour mill this year, having been linked to a return to his home state of Victoria.
It's understood the 26-year-old could be on the end of offers in the vicinity of $600,000 per season as clubs scurry to secure key forward assets.
McStay's numbers don't read as an answer to a struggling club's attacking woes, having amassed just 123 goals in 145 - with the Brisbane free agent seen as more of a deputy target.
His current role in Queensland is that of a third-string option in attack, battling with star duo Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood in the Lions' pecking order.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Injuries to the prolific partnership have given McStay a platform to prove his worth in the top flight, having enjoyed standout performances across the course of this season when given a leading role.
READ: Five potential landing spots for Daniel McStay
McStay was dominant against Geelong's stingy backline in Round 4, booting three goals and amassing 11 marks as the Lions' most lethal spearhead.
More still needs to be seen for McStay to warrant a reported price tag of $600,000 a season, but his most recent camapign to date is sure to land him a bumper deal, in Brisbane or elsewhere.
