Marcus Bontempelli and Ben Brown are two of the names in line for a steep pay rise in 2018. Credit:AAP Gold Coast Suns co-captain/key forward Contract status: Off contract in 2018. First batch of Suns' restricted free agents. This season: Club high 44 goals in 19 games – fourth in best and fairest. Why his pay day is coming: This one already shapes as Dustin Martin #2, perhaps even bigger, according to one Brownlow medallist who believes Lynch could command $1.3 million a year over nine years – more than Martin's $1.1 million a year. His expiring deal is understood to be worth about $800,000 a season. Interest in the former Dandenong Stingray has already been expressed, with Carlton understood to be particularly keen. Lynch is said to be tired of the dysfunction at the expansion club. He is a brilliant, match-winning forward when in the right frame of mind and has the shrewd Paul Connors as his manager. AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has also left the door open for him to share in the ambassadorial money Gary Ablett, set to depart, had enjoyed.

Tom Lynch had a solid but at times disapointing 2017 for Gold Coast - that won't stop big money interest from rival clubs. Credit:AAP BEN BROWN North Melbourne key forward Will the Demons hunt another mature ruckman to pair with first-choice star Max Gawn? Credit:AAP Contract status: Off contract in 2018

This season: 63 goals – third in Coleman Medal. Young Guns: Patrick Cripps and Christian Petracca will likely recieve offers from elsewhere. Why his pay day is coming: Had a career-year when emerged as the Roos' primary focal point inside attacking 50. Had 41 more goals than the next best Roo and is tipped to finish in the top three in the best-and-fairest count. That he is generally a dead-eye in front of goal adds to his value. The Tasmanian has also become a cult hero because of his curly locks and unconventional run up – a marketing boon for a club searching for a public face. Contract negotiations have already opened and a new deal could be done by the start of next season. Dual Kangaroos premiership player David King has said the 24-year-old is worth more than $700,000 a season. CHRISTIAN PETRACCA Melbourne forward-midfielder

Contract status: Off contract in 2018 This season: 18.8 disposals a game Why his pay day is coming: This shapes as an intriguing negotiation. The No.2 pick in the 2014 national draft has barely scratched the surface of his potential but showed throughout a season in which he played in all 22 matches that he will be a match winner. Is a bull through the midfield or up forward. The 21-year-old has declared he wants to be a Hall of Famer but, for now, the Demons must weigh up what he is worth on potential versus the medium and long-term outlooks. Would the Demons be keen to lock him in for five years, the phase when potential morphs into stardom? Industry insiders say he is worth between $550,000 to $600,000 a season – ensuring his weekly allowance of $300 from his manager is raised. TOBY GREENE Greater Western Sydney half-forward

Contract status: Off contract in 2018 This season: 41 goals but suspensions an issue Why his pay day is coming: Has already shown he is match-winner and one of the keys to the Giants this September. His ball use is generally impeccable, while his body work is superb across half-forward. Industry insiders say he would be worth up to $700,000 a season. Turns 24 later this month, meaning his prime years are still ahead. Expect Victorian clubs to attempt to lure the former Oakleigh Charger home. SAM DOCHERTY Carlton rebounding half-back

Contract status: Off contract in 2018 This season: 27.86 disposals a game Why his pay deal is coming: Like Greene, is about to turn 24 and enter the prime of his career. The 2016 best and fairest has been a superb general across half-back over the past two years, and is already in captaincy calculations after 2018 when Murphy's position will be reviewed. The Blues have plenty of room under the salary cap to snare – and retain – talent and Docherty will be a central piece in their rebuild. Industry insiders say he is worth more than $600,000 a year. SHAI BOLTON Richmond small forward

Contract status: Off contract in 2018 This season: 6 games; 8.5 disposals a game Why his pay deal is coming: Because he is managed by Ralph Carr, the man who orchestrated Dustin Martin's stunning deal. Bolton's rookie contract will expire, and he has shown a talent for pressuring opponents inside 50 while finding the goals. Expect Fremantle, where his father, Darren, played two games, and the Eagles to show interest in the local product. PATRICK CRIPPS Carlton midfielder

Contract status: Off contract in 2019 This season: 15 games, 24.9 disposals a game Why his pay deal is coming: Cripps signed a contract extension in early 2016 and while he has two seasons to run on that deal West Australian clubs will be lurking for the East Fremantle product. With more money in their coffers thanks to the new CBA and the possible-departure of Bryce Gibbs, you'd think Carlton would and could give Cripps a financial incentive to stay at Ikon Park. Similar to Petracca, $600,000 a year is within reach, if not more depending on his 2018 form. MAX GAWN ​Melbourne ruckman

Contract status: Off contract in 2018 This season: 13 games, 2.4 clearances and 35 hit outs a game Why his pay deal is coming: If Gawn had played closer to 22 games in 2017 you'd think Melbourne would have made the finals, such is his influence. Offers will come for the 208cm, 25-year-old beast who is captaincy material. Industry insiders say Gawn would have no problem commanding a salary over $700,000 a season. ROBBIE GRAY Port Adelaide midfielder-forward

Contract status: Off contract 2018 This season: 22 games, 18 disposals a game, 47 goals for season Why his pay deal is coming: Gray became a top-line player in 2014 when his side burst into a preliminary final, just missing out on a grand final. Since then he has pushed himself into the elite category as an explosive mid-forward and superb one-on-one player. He's a Victorian, so will no doubt receive offers from there and all over the country, but at 29-years-old the Power would and should do everything to keep him at the Adelaide Oval. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI Western Bulldogs midfielder-forward

Contract status: Off contract 2019 This season: 22 games, 22.95 disposals and 4.2 clearances a game, 20 goals for season Why his pay deal is coming: Like his side, The Bont's output was down in 2017, however he still single-handedly won matches for the Sons of the West, all at the age of 21. A future captain (possibly in 2018), there is no reason why he won't become the second highest-paid player at the Bulldogs (behind forward Tom Boyd, who came from GWS on a mega deal), meaning he could attract a figure around $800,000 a season should his form continue. OTHERS TO WATCH: Rory Sloane, Marc Murphy, Cam Guthrie, Lachie Whitfield, Jamie Elliott, Phil Davis, Oscar McDonald, Luke McDonald