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.
8. Bailey Smith
Since day one, it has been believed Bailey Smith was set for stardom, and the Bulldogs youngster has seemingly struck the stratosphere in 2022.
The Dogs' ball-magnet ranks third in the league for disposals per game in his fourth season in the AFL, collecting 33 possessions each outing.
Add to that are the 21-year-old's elite numbers for inside 50s, rebounds 50s, effective disposals, goal assists and score involvements among players of his position.
The Bulldogs have a tough task ahead of them in regards to their off-contract names at the Kennel, with the likes of Josh Dunkley, Tim English, Caleb Daniel, Bailey Dale and Jason Johannisen among those also needing new deals.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Smith may be at the higher end of value to Luke Beveridge among the aforementioned group of stars, placed as the youngest by some distance in being the only player under 24 years of age.
His meteoric rise, doubled by his unparalleled market value off-field, has placed him in the top echelon of sought-after names from a media and merchandise perspective.
With his ball-winning abilities and marketable mastery, Smith is sure to be on the receiving end of sizeable figures both at Whitten Oval and elsewhere.
