South Australian Jared Polec and Victorian trio Sam Docherty, Billy Longer and Patrick Karnezis are out of contract at the end of this season and have attracted the interest of clubs in their home states.
The four players, all first-round draft picks in the last three seasons, have struggled to break into the Lions side on a consistent basis to the surprise of astute judges.
They have played a combined seven games this season and spent a significant amount of time at NEAFL level.
List manager Rob Kerr told AFL.com.au they are required players and "part of our future planning."
The Lions are focused on re-signing their more senior players, like out-of-contract pair Leuenberger and Rich and star running defender Pearce Hanley, before shifting their attention to locking away the younger batch to new deals.
It's believed exciting half-forward Karnezis requested a move back to Melbourne last year, but was under contract to the Lions. He has played 20 games for the club.
Polec, who was taken with pick five at the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, has struggled with injury and form in his time at the club, while Docherty did not play a senior game in his first AFL season last year despite starring for the NEAFL Lions side.
He made his debut with 20 disposals in round four this season and was named an emergency for the Lions' clash with Essendon on Saturday.
Longer was the Lions' first pick (number eight overall) at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft and has managed eight senior appearances.
But with Leuenberger back from injury, the Lions have preferred to use Stefan Martin or Jordan Lisle as the back-up ruckman because of their versatility in attack.
Leuenberger and Rich have publicly stated their desire to re-commit to the Lions.
Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey
