There is a new key defender on the market, with Melbourne premiership winner Steven May being told to explore his options for next year.
May will turn 34 before the start of next season, and still has a year remaining on his contract.
But could he be the missing piece for teams that believe they are only one defender away from a premiership in 2026?
Here is a look at four of the best candidates.
MORE: Collingwood make tough calls on key trio for Brisbane Lions preliminary final
Collingwood
With all age jokes aside, May would be a perfect fit at the Magpies next season.
With Collingwood playing for a spot in a Grand Final on Saturday night, they are in the perfect position to keep adding experienced and skilled players to keep competing - much like Hawthorn did when they recruited Brian Lake at a similar age.
May would be an instant upgrade on Billy Frampton and could allow Dan McStay to play more forward, especially with the potential departures of Jamie Elliott and Brody Mihocek.
Sydney
Has there ever been a notable trade candidate that the Swans have not put their hat in the ring for?
One year removed from a Grand Final appearance, the Swans will believe they can bounce straight back into the top eight and climb the ladder even further.
Tom McCartin has been a warrior for the Bloods, but his future remains cloudy with his persistent concussion issues, whilst May would fit in nicely ahead of Joel Hamling.
Alongside Dane Rampe, Sydney’s defence would ooze experience and they could be back in the big dance next season.
North Melbourne
While a very different option to the two above, North would greatly benefit from the veteran experience and leadership that May possesses.
Finding a top-tier key defender has proven to be nearly impossible for the Roos, with recruits Aidan Corr and Griffin Logue being serviceable but not quite hitting the heights they hoped.
Do not forget, the Adelaide Crows skyrocketed from 15th position in 2024 to minor premiers this year.
One key piece could send North Melbourne straight up the table, and we know that Alastair Clarkson has no issues recruiting matured-aged players.
Port Adelaide
With four top-four finishes in the past six seasons, Port has the talent to challenge for a Grand Final, but they have consistently fallen short.
The key defender position has been an issue for them for the entirety of Ken Hinkley’s tenure, especially in recent seasons with the retirement of Tom Jonas.
Aliir Aliir is the heart and soul of Port Adelaide’s defence, but he has had to play a sole lockdown defensive role since Jonas retired.
If Port can recruit May, it would allow Aliir to return to his intercepting best, which saw him earn an All-Australian blazer in 2021.