Up to eight AFL clubs have reportedly made contact with Alastair Clarkson about his availability and coaching plans next year.

The Herald Sun is reporting that a stack of clubs are inquiring about Clarkson's 2023 plans as he takes a coaching gap year following a successful 17-year stint at Hawthorn.

It is understood that his intention is to a return to AFL coaching next season, but will wait until July or August to make concrete decisions and correspondence with AFL clubs.

Having spent time in the US at professional sporting organisations - including the Golden State Warriors - exploring business interests and undertaking study, Clarkson has only elevated his status as the most in-demand man in the AFL coaching market.

As a result, any club that secures his services is likely to have to fork out a figure in the vicinity of $1 million per season.

The AFL could soon exempt coach's salaries from the soft cap in order to help clubs manage the $6.5 million figure, but clubs that go over and beyond that mark will be taxed - meaning clubs would likely have to cough up a significant figure.

It is widely reported that the two expansion clubs - GWS Giants and the Gold Coast Suns - are most likely to land Clarkson for next season and beyond.

Former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt told AFL 360 last month that "14 clubs would be silly not to ask the question", but named GWS and Gold Coast as the likely landing spots.

Meanwhile, veteran reporter Caroline Wilson has previously claimed the AFL "wants" Clarkson to coach the ailing Suns.

The Suns are yet to feature in a finals series in their 12-year existence, and currently sit 14th on the ladder.

The AFL would reportedly subsidise his salary at the Suns to rectify the club's on-field trajectory and become an ambassadorial figure in Queensland - a non-traditional football state.

Similarly, GWS Giants' coach Leon Cameron is facing a tenuous year ahead with his future at the club in the balance - it could be the opportune moment for Clarkson and deliver the immediate success the club's talent is craving.

READ MORE: Giants to delay Cameron contract talks

The West Coast Eagles have also suddenly entered the frame as they register a woeful start to season 2022, currently sitting bottom of the ladder.

Former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes said Clarkson may be the ideal man for the Eagles' upcoming transitional period, also noting the club would have resources to lure him west.

“I think West Coast are going to have a massive crack at him, whether he is up for a rebuild and what the club needs - but they have got the money, they are a big club and I think it would be enticing," he said earlier in the week.

The Herald Sun also identified Port Adelaide as a potential contender for Clarkson as pressure mounts on Ken Hinkley, while struggling clubs North Melbourne and Essendon would also benefit from the greatest coach of the modern era - with more clubs reportedly urged to at least pose the questions.

The AFL's potential 19th licence in Tasmania could also pave the way for Clarkson's return to coaching, given his role in the Tasmanian AFL task force - but the team's introduction appears to be at least five seasons away.

Clarkson has coached 390 games - the 13th-most in VFL/AFL history, boasting a 58.97 per cent win rate (including 61.54 per cent in finals) - and won four premierships.