FREMANTLE midfielder Nick Suban has emerged as a likely trade target for Victorian clubs this year.

Suban is contracted with Freo until the end of next year, and the Victorian is understood to be happy in Western Australia and is married to a Perth girl.

But the Dockers are likely to take an open mind into October's trade period, having signalled their intention to rebuild after a dramatic fall down the ladder this season.

Senior coach Ross Lyon said last month Freo would look to take as many picks as it could into this year's NAB AFL Draft, but the club also seems set to pursue trades for Hawk Bradley Hill and Giant Cameron McCarthy, which would mean they will have to come up with deals that satisfy Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney.

Against this backdrop, AFL.com.au understands a number of Victorian clubs are closely monitoring Suban's situation.

Several have been long-time admirers of the left-footer, but until now had thought him untouchable.

Any club that makes a play for Suban will have to offer an attractive swap for the Dockers to consider letting him go, although Freo's bargaining position is weakened by the fact the midfielder is set to become a free agent at the end of 2017.

Fremantle's strategy this trade period will also be influenced by whether free agents Chris Mayne and Zac Clarke decide to pursue rival offers.

It is believed Mayne could attract deals around $500,000 a season, which could net Freo a second-round compensation pick.

Suban has played 15 games this season but has been dropped twice, most recently after Fremantle's round 18 loss to Gold Coast.

He had 22 possessions and seven tackles in Peel Thunder's loss to Claremont in the WAFL last Saturday.

Recruited at pick No.24 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, Suban has played 144 games since debuting in round one, 2009.

He was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star award in his debut season.