MELBOURNE veteran Jack Viney is facing an uncertain future at the Demons.
Viney was told at his exit meeting by coach Steven King the club wouldn't stand in his way if he was exploring other options.
Viney has a contract with the Demons until the end of 2028.
The 32-year-old played just one AFL game this year – the wildcard final loss to Carlton – after an Achilles and back injury, for a total of 238 senior games since being drafted as a father-son selection in 2012.
The vice-captain was told there would be youth ahead of him in the best 23 at the Demons going forward, with young first-round draft picks Caleb Windsor, Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay and Koltyn Tholstrup set to be prioritised.
As it searches for experience, Essendon is set to explore its interest in Viney to boost its midfield stocks, while North Melbourne was a strong suitor at the end of 2024.
Viney's father Todd is the general manager of football at the Kangaroos, who are seeking a new senior coach after sacking Alastair Clarkson last week.
It comes a year after King and Melbourne made the bold call to trade fellow premiership stars Clayton Oliver (to GWS) and Christian Petracca (Gold Coast).
After finishing 14th in the previous two seasons, the Demons embarked on a fairytale run in King's first year at the helm, finishing seventh on the ladder (15-8) after the home and away season before being bundled out by Carlton in the wildcard final.