GREATER Western Sydney appears determined to land a readymade ruck partner for Shane Mumford in October's player exchange period, with Brisbane Lion Matthew Leuenberger and Gold Coast's Zac Smith among its chief targets.

The Giants won seven of their first 11 games this year when Mumford was at the helm of their ruck division, but since the former Swan went down with a season-ending ankle injury they have won just four more times.

GWS has a trio of promising young ruckmen in Tom Downie, Rory Lobb and Andrew Phillips, but they have struggled to fill the massive hole left by Mumford in the second half of 2015.

Leuenberger, 27, and Smith, 25, appeal to the Giants as more battle-hardened sidekicks for Mumford.

It is understood that Leuenberger is their No.1 target, but the Giants face stiff competition for the restricted free agent.

Leuenberger, 203cm, is almost certain to leave the Gabba in October's free agency period, but a lot of things have to play out before the West Australian decides on a new home.

All the key trade and free agency dates for 2015

As AFL.com.au revealed in July, the Sydney Swans are extremely interested in Leuenberger as they seek to provide support for Mike Pyke, who will turn 32 next March.

But the Swans won't be able to field a competitive offer for Leuenberger unless they convince the AFL to lift the trade restrictions that prohibit them from offering a rival player more than the average AFL wage of about $350,000 a season while the cost of living allowance (COLA) is being phased out.

More recently, Fremantle has also emerged as a potential suitor for Leuenberger.

But the Dockers, who already boast the competition's deepest ruck division with four-time All Australian Aaron Sandilands, Zac Clarke, Jonathon Griffin and Jack Hannath, won't decide whether to make a firm bid for the Lion until their season is over.

The Giants also face competition to sign the out-of-contract Smith, with Essendon and Geelong also circling him.

The ruckman could yet decide to re-sign with Gold Coast, but if he leaves Essendon is favourite to win his signature.

Fellow Sun Aaron Hall also remains out of contract and opposition clubs led by North Melbourne are starting to court the in-form midfielder.

Hall's negotiations with Gold Coast have dragged on this year as his form has fluctuated, but the Suns are confident of re-signing him soon.

Dumped to the NEAFL after a slow start to the season, Hall returned in round 14 and quickly hit career-best form.

In the past six rounds, the 24-year-old Tasmanian has averaged nearly 27 possessions a game and been one of the Suns' prime movers in the midfield.

The Brisbane Lions are believed to have entered the race for out-of-contract Giant Nathan Wilson and his teammate Curtly Hampton, who is contracted until the end of 2016.

AFL.com.au revealed in July that Adelaide was interested in both defenders, with Wilson also on Port Adelaide's radar.

It now appears likely that both players will seek greater senior opportunities at new homes, although Wilson is unlikely to move home to Western Australia.

In other news:

Although contracted Brisbane Lion Jack Redden 's preferred new home is West Coast, Richmond and Melbourne are also believed to be interested in the prospective 2016 free agent.





's preferred new home is West Coast, Richmond and Melbourne are also believed to be interested in the prospective 2016 free agent. Rival clubs believe Hawthorn is circling star Gold Coast youngster Harley Bennell , but it will be hard for the reigning premier to put up a trade deal attractive enough to convince the Suns to part with the sublimely talented midfielder, who is contracted until the end of 2017. St Kilda, Essendon and Melbourne have also been linked with Bennell.





, but it will be hard for the reigning premier to put up a trade deal attractive enough to convince the Suns to part with the sublimely talented midfielder, who is contracted until the end of 2017. St Kilda, Essendon and Melbourne have also been linked with Bennell. Carlton free agent Matthew Kreuzer will likely stay at Ikon Park but could pursue bigger offers elsewhere if negotiations with the Blues break down, with the Western Bulldogs particularly keen on the rejuvenated ruckman.





will likely stay at Ikon Park but could pursue bigger offers elsewhere if negotiations with the Blues break down, with the Western Bulldogs particularly keen on the rejuvenated ruckman. This year's biggest free agency fish, Patrick Dangerfield ,still looks set to join Geelong, with most rival clubs confident that Adelaide will not match the Cats' offer for the restricted free agent.





,still looks set to join Geelong, with most rival clubs confident that Adelaide will not match the Cats' offer for the restricted free agent. Star Giants youngster Adam Treloar seems almost certain to request a move to Collingwood, in preference to his other serious suitors Richmond and North Melbourne. The Giants will demand a steep price for Treloar, however, and if the Pies struggle to satisfy them, Richmond could try to re-enter the race.



