MIDFIELD guns Stephen Coniglio and Tim Kelly have dominated trade discussions as they ponder big-money moves in this year's NAB AFL Trade Period.

But who are the out-of-contract names flying under the radar that rival clubs are beginning to do their homework on?

Mitch Cleary identifies 18 players to track in the final two months of season 2019.

Callum Ah Chee - Gold Coast

Has an offer to stay at the Suns with the club confident he isn't far away from recommitting. Returned for one game prior to the bye after an interrupted first half of the season before suffering a cruel ankle injury at training on Tuesday that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Karl Amon - Port Adelaide

Returned to Alberton to see out the final year of his contract this season after a failed attempt to move home to Victoria last October. Now more settled in Adelaide, Amon has played the last seven straight games for the Power with increased midfield minutes. Has signalled an intent to stay for 2020 and should receive an extension.

Riley Bonner - Port Adelaide

Has forced his way back into the senior line-up in the past three weeks after he was dropped for round eight. Early discussions have commenced with Port Adelaide and his management for a fresh deal. After 19 games last season, the 22-year-old's pace and kicking ability would appeal elsewhere if initial talks were to fall over.

Dan Butler - Richmond

The 2017 premiership small forward has found himself as a fringe player this season with six matches in the AFL and five in the VFL. Dialogue for a new deal beyond this season has hardly reached great heights. Will be one to watch over a potential move should he remain going in and out of the side.

Jon Ceglar - Hawthorn

Finds himself in a fascinating position as a No.2 ruck behind Ben McEvoy. With the Hawks committed to McEvoy for 2020 and Mitch Lewis continuing to develop as a key forward who can ruck, Ceglar faces the prospect of another bit-part season. Would expect to eventually receive a new deal but may consider a greater role elsewhere with the ruck merry-go-round about to go into overdrive.

Dylan Clarke - Essendon

Stuck in a queue behind Darcy Parish, Aaron Francis, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Mason Redman for a fresh contract offer. Keen to stay at the Bombers and has proven himself in the past month with strong performances including shutting down Patrick Cripps and Jaeger O'Meara. Talks for a new deal are expected to commence inside the next month.

Tom Cutler - Brisbane

After a career-high 18 games last season, the 24-year-old Victorian has managed just three this season wedged between two stints in the NEAFL. Has played as a tall wingman in recent times at the Lions and can also play at half-back. Not short of suitors in his home state, Cutler has also received some interest from the Swans as they ponder different options in their midfield.

Bailey Dale - Western Bulldogs

The Dogs have started preliminary discussions with Dale's management over an extension but remain some way off in coming to terms. Succumbed to a foot injury last year before suffering an ankle setback ahead of this season. Returned for three senior games before he was dropped last week. Turning 23 next month, Dale will be hoping to secure at least a two-year contract.

Jordan Dawson - Sydney

Poised to sign a new multi-year deal after a breakout start to 2019. After a number of soft-tissue injuries limited him to five matches in his first three years at the Swans, the left-footer has nailed down his spot in the best 22. Averaging 18.3 disposals from 12 games this year, the 22-year-old has been identified as one of the Swans' better ball users.

Sam Day - Gold Coast

Showed his value in his first game of the season in round 13, collecting 16 disposals and 19 hitouts as a forward/ruck. Has been an emergency a competition-high 11 times this season, with the Suns making him earn his spot through the NEAFL after hip and shoulder setbacks in recent times. Has a contract offer from the Suns, but as he assesses the market, the next month will be telling as to whether he enters into free agency.

Jake Kelly - Adelaide

Explored the possibility of leaving last year while contracted but 12 months on has become far more settled in Adelaide. Dropped late last season, the 24-year-old is now a first-choice defender. Now seen as more likely to stay at the Crows than depart, his management has been given the green light to begin early talks.

Riley Knight - Adelaide

Has parked contract talks in the short-term as he looks to win his spot back in the side. Has been a regular in the Crows' line-up in the past two seasons barring injury, but has found himself on the fringe this year with improvement from the likes of Lachlan Murphy and Jordan Gallucci.

Daniel McStay - Brisbane

On track to play his 100th game in round 22, the 195cm key forward often goes unnoticed alongside Eric Hipwood. The Lions value the selfless role he often plays in attack and are keen to extend his stay into a seventh season. A two-year deal to take him to free agency would make sense, however there will always be interest from back home in Victoria, as there is this season.

Shane Savage - St Kilda

Closing in on signing a one-year deal with a trigger for a second which will come as important security. Playing every match this season, the Saints acknowledge the 28-year-old's importance with the new kick-in rules to generate attacks from the back half.

Zac Smith - Geelong

Still waiting on a contract offer from Geelong, it's hard to see him being there next season. The Cats continue to prefer Rhys Stanley as the No.1 with back-ups Ryan Abbott and Darcy Fort both contracted for 2020 and plenty of faith in Esava Ratugolea as the forward/ruck. Will be looking around and seeing how other ruckmen like Paddy Ryder and Todd Goldstein influence the market.

Darcy Tucker - Fremantle

Negotiations have recently got underway for the 22-year-old from country Victoria who has played every match this season. Settled in Perth after building a new house, the Dockers are confident that he'll commit after initial fears he may have wanted a move back home.

Bailey Williams - Western Bulldogs

Still adjusting to a new inside midfield role, his management is expected to meet with the Dogs in coming weeks to discuss where things sit. The South Australian has played six games in each of the VFL and AFL this season, with rivals taking notice. Many believe his best football could still come as a rebounding half-back, a role he had at the Dogs when he played 13 of the first 14 games last year before injury.

Rupert Wills - Collingwood

The inside midfielder broke through for three matches this year before he was dropped after being asked to play a forward role in round 10. Battling a calf injury at the moment which has been consistent with his untimely setbacks in recent seasons. Sits down the pecking order of priorities for the Pies and could gauge interest from elsewhere depending on what happens with other high-profile big-bodied midfielders.