THE TRADE period seems to get bigger every year, with players more willing than ever before to move clubs in this era of free agency.

As Hawthorn has shown with its trade acquisitions in recent years, the next couple of weeks can be vital in determining a club’s future success. Geelong looks like it could bounce back into the finals if they can bring in Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Selwood and Lachie Henderson.

This year's class of players considering a move looks particularly young, and we have decided to compose a hypothetical team of trade targets.

Interestingly, not one player is older than 27.

The side is particularly well-stocked with rebounding half-backs. Matt Suckling, Chris Yarran, Paul Seedsman, Curtly Hampton and Jeremy Howe have all shown they can fill that role with aplomb.

Here is AFL.com.au's 'best 22' of trade targets.

Matt Suckling (Hawthorn)
Unrestricted free agent. The elite kicker was initially linked to the Brisbane Lions but they have pulled out of the race for the two-time premiership winning defender. Could still re-sign with Hawthorn.

Jake Carlisle (Essendon)
Out of contract and looks set to nominate either St Kilda or Carlton as his nominated destination, with the Western Bulldogs not entirely out of the picture.

Michael Talia (Western Bulldogs)
Out of contract and will leave after the Western Bulldogs asked the AFL to investigate if he had leaked sensitive information to his brother and Adelaide backman Daniel, before the two teams met in an elimination final.

Paul Seedsman (Collingwood)
Collingwood will look to trade this year’s out-of-contract ANZAC Day medallist to possibly North Melbourne, with Adelaide and Gold Coast interested as well.

Lachie Henderson (Carlton)
Out of contract, with Geelong set to trade for the swingman. His form wasn't great this year but at his best, he is a gun tall defender who can go forward as well.

Chris Yarran (Carlton)
Contracted for next year but Richmond wants to lure him to Punt Road. He’s inconsistent but Yarran can provide class off half-back or use his speed and kicking skills in attack.

Harley Bennell (Gold Coast)
Contracted until 2017 but Gold Coast wants him out and Bennell wants to go to Fremantle. The brilliant midfielder could be the missing piece for the Dockers if he’s fully committed.

Jack Redden (Brisbane Lions)
Contracted for next year but wants out. The Lions want him to stay but the tough midfielder looks like he will be traded to West Coast.

James Aish (Brisbane Lions)
One of this year's most intriguing trade prospects. After many expected he would be leaving, it now looks like the out-of-contract midfielder could stay. If not, Leigh Matthews has said the club won’t trade him, forcing Aish into the draft.

Curtly Hampton (GWS)
Contracted for next year but has nominated Adelaide as his preferred trade destination. The skilful half-back only played senior five games this season and is looking for more opportunities.

Ryan Schoenmakers (Hawthorn)
The premiership player didn’t want to be traded when other clubs came after him last year, and despite being out of contract, is likely to re-sign with the Hawks.

Lewis Jetta (Sydney Swans)
Out of contract and wants to go back home to Western Australia. West Coast is in the box seat to pick up the speedy half-forward via trade.

Jarrad Grant (Western Bulldogs)
An unrestricted free agent, Grant has an uncertain future. The Western Bulldogs could still re-sign the forward, or another club could try to entice him away from Whitten Oval.

Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast)
Out of contract, Dixon will likely be traded to Port Adelaide. The key forward can play as a back-up ruck and could help elevate Port back into the top four.

Jeremy Howe (Melbourne)
Out of contract and is a candidate to be traded. The high-flier could still be at Melbourne next year but Gold Coast is said to be interested.

Matthew Leuenberger (Brisbane Lions)
Restricted free agent. The ruckman could be headed to either Essendon or the Sydney Swans but the Lions have the right to match any offer for him.

Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
This year's biggest fish. The restricted free agent wants to go to Geelong but Adelaide will most likely match the offer the Cats propose, meaning a trade will be necessary. Otherwise Dangerfield could be forced into the draft.

Adam Treloar (GWS)
Out of contract and has nominated Collingwood as his preferred destination. Richmond came hard for him but the Pies look set to get a trade done for the midfielder.

Zac Smith (Gold Coast)
Out of contract and wants to be traded for more opportunities. Essendon, Geelong and the Sydney Swans are reportedly interested in the 25-year-old but AFL.com.au understands he wants to play for the Cats.

Jake Melksham (Essendon)
Out of contract and he wants to be traded to Melbourne. Essendon offered him two years but the Dees are said to be open to giving him four.

Scott Selwood (West Coast)
Restricted free agent. Looks like he wants to go to Geelong to play with his brother Joel. West Coast has indicated it will match an offer for its vice-captain, meaning a trade might be necessary.

Nathan Freeman (Collingwood)
The out-of-contract speedster wants to be traded to St Kilda. Yet to make his AFL debut after having had hamstring issues the past two years so is an unknown quantity at senior level.