VICTORIAN clubs are circling contracted Greater Western Sydney midfielder Will Setterfield.

Essendon and Carlton have emerged as suitors for the inside ball-winner who has been struck down by injury in his two years at the Giants.  

Despite Setterfield being signed until the end of 2020, rival clubs have become aware of a potential salary cap squeeze which could open the door to off-season movement.

While it is understood Setterfield is happy in Sydney, the long list of depth at the Giants would present more opportunity elsewhere.

Drafted with pick No.5 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Setterfield extended for a further two seasons on more money before his 2017 debut, while still recovering from an ankle injury.  

He returned to play two AFL matches late in the season, only to rupture his left ACL in a pre-season match against Sydney in February this year.  

The Bombers have openly discussed their desire for top-end midfield talent to bolster their list this year.

With pick No.1 in the same draft, the Bombers held interest in Setterfield, a big Bombers fan as a junior, before selecting Andy McGrath.

The Blues ultimately bid on Setterfield at No.5, forcing the Giants to match the selection.  

Growing up in Albury before relocating to Caulfield Grammar to board, Setterfield was zoned to the Giants as a member of their Academy, giving them first rights on his services.  

Both Essendon and Carlton have proven open to recruiting drafted Giants players in recent years.  

Devon Smith, who looks set to feature prominently in the Bombers' best and fairest, arrived last year from the Giants, to join former teammate James Stewart at the Hangar.

The Blues currently have six former Giants-listed players on their list – Matthew Kennedy, Jed Lamb, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman, Jarrod Pickett and Andrew Phillips.