EXCLUSIVE: Shannon Byrnes is as surprised as anyone about reports he could land at Melbourne next year.

The Demons are believed to be interested in securing the dual premiership player, who is an unrestricted free agent.

Byrnes told AFL.com.au he was caught off guard by speculation he could join the Demons next season.

"I only read about that this morning myself," Byrnes said.

"I saw the Dees looking for a Cat, that was the headline, and I was interested to see who it was.

"I was surprised it was me, that's the first I knew about it but I'll worry about that stuff once footy's done (this season)."

The 28-year-old has been selected for just four senior games this season, but has played a significant role in the Cats' VFL team.

Byrnes was one of the Cats' best in their 14-point win against Box Hill on Sunday, breaking the lines and using the ball effectively. He collected 26 possessions and had six inside 50s.

After the game, Byrnes told AFL.com.au he would wait until the end of the season before entertaining any offers from other clubs.

Byrnes is still eligible to take part in Geelong's VFL finals campaign, with the Cats making it through to the preliminary final next week.

"I haven't really thought about it too much, I'm just pretty much focussed on the finals series that I'm in at the moment," he said.

"At the end of the season, I suppose, I'll look at my options then."

Byrnes has played 108 games in nine years at Geelong for 79 wins and 29 losses, including two Grand Finals for two premierships.

He has played just nine games under Chris Scott in the past two seasons after kicking 32 and 35 goals in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

His most recent senior game was in round seven this year.

A popular clubman and Cats' life member, Byrnes would add pace to the Demons as well as the work ethic and experience necessary for the developing group. He fits the profile of the type of player the club is after: from a successful environment and with a strong character.

As an unrestricted free agent, Byrnes can go to a club of his choice during the free agency period.

The AFL Free Agency period runs for three weeks and starts on October 1, two days after the Grand Final.