It is pretty well decided already that six teams are out of this year's finals action.

Those also-rans have a host of reasons to play out of the last five games in competitive fashion. For example, finding out which players will be capable of playing AFL in the future by giving them some ground time. The players will also compete for pride and respect.

But whatever their strategies, all clubs will have one thing in mind - how do we improve our list before next season starts?

Some will try to do it through the natural progression of players already at the club. Some will try to do it with the acquisition of ready-made, capable players from other clubs.

History shows that the best teams predominantly grow their own stars, but are not blind to the possible acquisition of a ready-made player if he meets their needs.

It was reported that I, in my capacity as a Hawthorn director, met some Eagle players' representatives two weeks ago. That is quite normal. All clubs must be proactive in the pursuit of talent.

Every one of the six bottom-placed clubs and possibly those higher up the ladder are already forming their 2005 lists. Not only that, but some staff at every one of the 16 clubs would know the contractual status of every player in the league.

It is a relatively simple exercise to find out a player's contract tenure. Ninety-nine per cent of players have a manager, and one of the charters within a player-manager's role is to maximise his client's earning capacity. This objective is made easier for the manager when a club knocks on his door.

However, it's rarely just a financial decision. The location of the club, the cultural and emotional benefit to the player and the benefits to his playing future will also be considered.

For example, if Jason Akermanis is on $300,000 at the Lions, he is underpaid for his footballing ability. But his marketing benefit in Brisbane could be worth up to $200,000. So if he was to be recruited elsewhere, the starting figure would be $500,000.

But although he might get his half-a-million up front, he must also consider whether he would risk missing a fourth or even fifth premiership. As it stands now, he could make the same money anyway, and play in the best team.

So while all clubs are all aware of who comes out of contract at the end of this season, we are also aware of who could not be removed from their present club even by using a jackhammer.

Still, clubs can plant the seed. Situations have occurred in the past where the likes of John Elliott have commented on players - I'm thinking Aaron Hamill. You want to be at the front of the queue if the landscape changes overnight.

It is unlikely but possible, as evidenced by the club switches of Nathan Brown, Nick Stevens and Hamill.

And it's not as if we at Hawthorn have our heads in the sand, either. We study and monitor who on our own lists have had the occasional informal visits from people with an association at other clubs.

Of course, trades and transactions happen all the way up to the trade deadline, but six clubs have already completed their wish lists for 2005.