The AFL’s trade period opens on Monday morning, but much of the attention will remain on free agent stars Lance Franklin and Dale Thomas.

Sydney’s massive nine-year, $10 million offer to lure Franklin from Hawthorn remains under AFL investigation and several trade proposals are likely to be on hold until its status is confirmed.

Thomas is reportedly headed from Collingwood to be reunited with his old coach Mick Malthouse at Carlton on a four-year deal worth more than $2.5 million.

There has been plenty of interest from rival clubs in Thomas’ old Magpies team-mate Heath Shaw.

The no-shows by Thomas and Shaw at Collingwood’s best and fairest dinner last Friday night added to already-strong speculation that they will be at other clubs next season.

St Kilda veteran Nick Dal Santo is another big name widely expected to switch clubs.

He has spoken to senior North Melbourne players and Essendon are also said to be interested in the midfielder.

Dal Santo could switch clubs through free agency or in a trade.

The Western Bulldogs have made a big offer to Essendon forward Stewart Crameri, while Greatern Western Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams is set to return to Victoria.

West Coast’s Luke Shuey has a year left on his contract, but Victorian clubs are trying to strike a deal with the Eagles to bring him back to his home state.

There are also reports that West Coast star Daniel Kerr is about to announce his retirement.