The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.

Who are the big names set to find themselves new homes in October's player exchange period?

AFL.com.au has cast its eye over the players most in demand with rival clubs and gives its verdict on who stays and who goes.

Patrick Dangerfield, Adelaide, restricted free agent
Despite the best efforts of most Victorian clubs, this year's biggest free agency fish will either stay at Adelaide or move to Geelong to be closer to his family home at nearby Moggs Creek. We expect the two-time All Australian to accept an offer from the Cats of about $800,000 a season over five years. We don't think the Crows will stand in his way by matching the offer.

Steven Motlop, Geelong, out of contract
The 24-year-old game-breaker has attracted significant rival interest, with Richmond and Adelaide understood to be leading the chase. Geelong is increasingly confident of re-signing Motlop, but a new deal is believed to be some way off. Geelong's efforts to retain the midfielder are complicated by its simultaneous pursuit of Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson, Scott Selwood and, possibly, Matthew Leuenberger, and by Motlop's ability to attract more than $500,000 a season on the open market.

Lewis Jetta, Sydney Swans, out of contract
The West Australian is grappling with whether to recommit to the Swans or seek a trade back home with his young family. Although Jetta would likely attract sizeable offers from West Coast and Fremantle, it is believed money will be a secondary factor in his decision. This year's AFL-imposed restrictions on the Swans mean they can only trade for draft picks and/or players on about $350,000 or less. 

Adam Treloar, Greater Western Sydney, out of contract
The Giants have done remarkably well this year to re-sign young stars Jeremy Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith, Stephen Coniglio and Will Hoskin-Elliott, but Treloar looks set to leave. The midfielder has reportedly attracted seven-year offers from North Melbourne and Richmond, but appears poised to join Collingwood on a five-year deal believed to be worth about $750,000 a season.

Charlie Dixon, Gold Coast, out of contract
The Queenslander is being heavily courted by the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Port Adelaide and Adelaide, with deals of up to $800,000 a season believed to be on the table. The Suns want to re-sign Dixon but aren't prepared to enter a bidding war. We expect the 25-year-old will ultimately request a trade, probably to the Lions.

Jake Carlisle, Essendon, out of contract
The Bombers big man has struggled in attack this season but is in serious demand among rival clubs, with the Western Bulldogs, Carlton and North Melbourne already linked to him. The Bombers are understood to be increasingly confident of re-signing the 23-year-old, but will be competing with offers of up to $700,000 a season and teams prepared to play him exclusively in defence. Carlisle is believed to be reluctant to move outside Victoria.

Chris Yarran, Carlton, prospective 2016 restricted free agent
It seems more and more likely that the explosive playmaker will be traded at the end of this season if the Blues can broker a suitable trade. Industry sources suggest that Yarran would only net the Blues a second-round compensation pick if he was to leave as a free agent at the end of next season, so a team offering a late first-round pick in October's trade period would probably satisfy Carlton.

Lachie Henderson, Carlton, out of contract
Carlton remains hopeful of retaining Henderson, but Geelong and the Western Bulldogs have made big plays for the 25-year-old swingman. Like Dangerfield, it is understood Henderson will either re-sign or move to Simonds Stadium. The Cats appear slight favourites to get their man, who could command up to $600,000 a season.

Scott Selwood, West Coast, restricted free agent
The chance to play with his elder brother Joel at Geelong seems the only thing that could entice Selwood to leave West Coast, a prospect that seems increasingly likely. Given the Eagles vice-captain is expected to be offered about $500,000 a season by the Cats, West Coast might be happy to bank what could be an end-of-first-round compensation pick.

Matthew Leuenberger, Brisbane Lions, restricted free agent
Several teams are in the market for a ruckman this season and Leuenberger is one of the most keenly sought after, with Essendon, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs understood to be interested. The Lions seem to have settled on Stefan Martin as their No.1 ruckman, so the West Australian could see more opportunity elsewhere. The Lions can match any rival offer for Leuenberger, but could be willing to let him go if the prospective compensation pick is attractive enough. The Sydney Swans would like to make a play for the ruckman but won't be serious contenders because of their trade restrictions.

Jeremy Howe, Melbourne, out of contract
The high-flying utility has put off contract talks with the Demons to the end of the season and his future remains clouded. Greater Western Sydney made a late play for Howe in last year's trade period and a number of other clubs are believed to be monitoring him carefully. Industry sources suggest Howe could attract rival offers of up to $600,000 a season, which Melbourne is unlikely to match.

Matthew Suckling, Hawthorn, unrestricted free agent
The sweet-kicking left-footer must decide between pursuing more premierships at Hawthorn or accepting a decent pay hike at the rebuilding Brisbane Lions. The Lions are understood to be offering Suckling about $400,000 a season, an offer that the Hawks won't get close to matching. If he is part of a second premiership team this season, we suspect the defender will take the money and run. 

James Aish, Brisbane Lions, out of contract
The second-year midfielder was this week ruled out for the rest of 2015 with a finger injury and we suspect he has played his last game for the Lions. Carlton appears to be the front-runner for the South Australian's services, with Collingwood also interested but more focused on securing Treloar. Adelaide also has its hat in the ring, but Aish is believed to favour a move to Victoria.

Matthew Scharenberg, Collingwood, out of contract
The South Australian has yet to re-sign amid speculation he has struggled to settle in Victoria since Collingwood claimed him with pick No.6 in the 2013 national draft. The 191cm utility is a special talent and the Pies remain confident he will stay, but rumours persist he will seek a trade to Adelaide or Port Adelaide.

Zac Smith, Gold Coast, out of contract
The Queenslander has struggled for opportunities this season with the Suns largely preferring Tom Nicholls as their No.1 ruckman. The 25-year-old has already been linked with Essendon and could also appeal to other clubs in the market for a ruckman such as Geelong and the Western Bulldogs.

AND …

Gold Coast's Harley Bennell, Brandon Matera and Trent McKenzie are all contracted until the end of 2017 but industry sources suggest all could be up for grabs this trade period.