Neal-Bullen is contracted at Melbourne for two more seasons, but has a newborn baby and wants to return to South Australia for family reasons. Lukosius, who is also contracted until 2026, was dropped late in the season and is in the sights of both Adelaide and Port Adelaide, but is yet to decide whether to leave the Suns.
The Crows may lose forward-ruck Elliott Himmelberg, another unrestricted free agent, with Gold Coast keen to add him to their big man stocks after his brother Harry’s club, GWS, made inquiries about him 12 months ago.
Breakout Giant James Peatling is also weighing up his future despite implying ahead of the club’s semi-final that he wanted to remain at GWS.
The Giants have increased their offer since mid-year, with Peatling transforming into a key contributor in the midfield by season’s end, including kicking two goals in the first quarter of Saturday’s semi-final while playing on Lions star Dayne Zorko.
The interest in Peatling from Victorian clubs such as St Kilda and Collingwood has not disappeared, and he is considering his future, even if he may remain at the Giants beyond 2024.
Out-of-contract Collingwood forward Joe Richards is also weighing up a three-year offer from the Power with a two-year deal to stay at the Pies.
Fellow Giant Nick Haynes has also been linked with a free agency move to Carlton.
Cats to retain veteran defender
A unique skill set and positive attitude throughout the season when he was playing in the VFL will earn premiership defender Jed Bews a new one-year deal at Geelong.
“They are actually working through it right now, which is good,” Bews said. “That will all play itself out in the background.”
The 30-year-old has forced his way back into the team late in the season and played in the qualifying final against Port Adelaide after being the sub in the final round.
Jed Bews is likely to remain at the Cats in 2025Credit: Getty
His role in finals could prove crucial as he matches up well against opposition small forwards such as the Lions’ Charlie Cameron, Sydney’s Tom Papley and Port Adelaide’s Willie Rioli.
With Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy retiring, the Cats are likely to re-contract veterans Mitch Duncan and Rhys Stanley for 2025. Premiership players Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt are both also out of contract.
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