1) Gary Ablett (Geelong):

By far and away the Gold Coast's No.1 target, although the Cats privately feel they are closing in on securing him. Ablett could earn up to $1.5 million per season - $500,000 more than the Cats can really offer - and claim the captaincy if he heads north and joins younger brother Nathan at the league's 17th club. That, however, would come at a cost for he would be expected to be involved in more marketing - something he really isn't keen on. While the Gold Coast can offer more dollars under the cap, his business interests in Geelong and the third-party deals expected to come his way would just about make up for that shortfall. Ablett's manager Liam Pickering has gone to ground in recent weeks after tensions emerged between him and the Cats.

Stay or go: Still lineball, as evidenced by the public pressure the Cats have put on him.

2) Joel Selwood (Geelong)

Selwood has agreed in principle to remain a Cat, although it's understood he isn't entirely happy with the length of the deal on offer - reportedly three years - and several other clauses in the contract. While that's the case, the Coast, in theory at least, are still in the running. Cats' chief executive Brian Cook has been quick to publicly declare Selwood will stay, perhaps continuing the tit-for-tat battle between the club and the Gold Coast.

Stay or go: All but certain to remain a Cat.

3) Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)

Another one of Pickering's high-profile clientele. It's understood discussions are underway with the Hawks over what most likely will be a three, perhaps four, year deal. Franklin has pledged his loyalty in the past to the 2008 premiers but, with hopes of making the finals this year now slim and the playing list set to undergo a revamp, Franklin may have a different mindset towards leaving and pocketing the similar riches offered for Ablett.

Stay or go: Whispers of a move abound but he is expected to stay.

4) Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)

Talks over a new deal for the Blues' rebounding half-back were so advanced earlier in the year that his manager Dan Richardson and Blues' footy boss Stephen Icke said an agreement would soon be signed off. But, as of Friday, that still had yet to happen.

Stay or go: Gibbs is touted as a future captain and he is happy at Visy Park. His father is best mates with Blues' president Stephen Kernahan, so it's unlikely Gibbs will be going anywhere.

5) Jared Brennan (Brisbane)

The Lions' Mr Fixit is enjoying his finest season, spending quality time in the middle, across half-forward and pinch-hitting in the ruck. The Lions won't publicly discuss contracts but it's understood Brennan will be offered a $600,000 a year - double his current salary - by the Gold Coast.

Stay or go: Michael Voss may have turned Brennan's career around but how often you get the chance to double your salary? Could be on the move.

6) Jarrod Harbrow (Western Bulldogs)

The dashing defender and former Queenslander has asked his manager Peter Lenton to put contract talks with the Dogs on hold until the end of the year. Lenton insists this has been done to allow Harbrow to hopefully have a strong season and improve his market value. On the flip side, Harbrow has had a long association with Gold Coast list manager Scott Clayton.

Stay or go: Indications point to a change of address.

7) Scott Thompson (Adelaide)

The hard-nosed Crows' midfielder is believed to want out at the end of the year, with speculation he is keen to even return to his old club, Melbourne. Thompson would be a perfect fit for the Gold Coast - tough, big bodied and able to provide direction for his younger teammates.

Stay or go: There appears more chance of him returning to a Victorian club than heading north. Yet, if the price is right, that could well change.

8) Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane)

According to one rival club chief executive officer, the speedy midfielder is almost certain to join the Gold Coast. Rischatelli helped scuttle a trade for him and Daniel Bradshaw in exchange for Brendan Fevola over summer, with Blues' insiders believing that was because he wants to join the new club next year. Indeed, Rischatelli was having a coffee at a Gold Coast cafe when he received a call informing him he was up for trade.

Stay or go: Ready to accept the Gold Coast riches that await.

9) Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)

The out-of-sorts forward clearly isn't enjoying his footy this season. His kicking is poor and the Hawks just aren't looking to deliver the ball to him. Would be a great fit for the Gold Coast, where, in all likelihood, he would be the focal point and wouldn't have Buddy to worry about. Also managed by Liam Pickering.

Stay or go: Expected to stay but that may change for the club and himself as the season unfolds.

10) Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)

Boak and good mate Robbie Gray had pledged their loyalty to the Power earlier in the year, but there's now talk Boak, a dashing midfielder, could be interested in a move after all.  The Power have initiated talks but it's understood there's plenty of work that needs to be done.  Another Port player on Scott Clayton's radar is half-back Nathan Krakouer. Clayton had hoped to claim the West Australian in the 2006 national draft when he was recruiting manager with the Bulldogs, and now gets a chance to make it second-time lucky.

Stay or go: Like Brennan, Boak could well double his pay by moving. The Power would be worried.

11) Campbell Brown (Hawthorn)

Signed, sealed and soon to be delivered to the Coasters if you believe the hype. The theory goes that Brown turned down the trade to Port Adelaide at the end of last season because he had his eyes firmlt set on the sunset strip. Would add hardness and leadership to what will be a youthful squad.

Stay or go: Reasonable likelihood he will go, particularly with the Hawk list looking at a shake-up come the end of the season.