DAVID Hale's career at North Melbourne appears uncertain despite him having two years to run on his contract.

The key forward is likely to weigh up whether to stay at Arden Street to regain a permanent spot in Brad Scott's best side, or pursue greater opportunities elsewhere.

Several clubs have shown interest in the 26-year-old, who they consider to be an attractive option for either a forward or ruck role.

Hale's manager Ricky Nixon said he and the Roos knew where the other camp stood ahead of trade week, which starts on October 4.

"We've spoken to the club, he's contracted and he might still well be there but we'll just see what happens during trade week or over the next three or four weeks," Nixon told afl.com.au.

"We'll listen [to other clubs], but it doesn't mean we'll be doing anything."

Hale played just 12 matches in 2010, although he did battle injury at stages.

He started the season brightly with 17 goals from the first seven rounds, however he featured just five more times at senior level and failed to kick another goal.

Hale spent most of the second half of the year with North Ballarat - one of the club's two VFL affiliates for whom he will line up in a preliminary final this weekend.

Drafted as a first-round selection in 2001 from Queensland club Broadbeach, there has been speculation that Hale could be in the sights of new franchise Gold Coast.

But Nixon said Hale's background didn't give the Suns any advantage.

"Everyone sees that as the goldmine, but I don't see it that way," he said.

With North possessing several talented big men, Hale faces stiff competition to earn regular selection.

Vice-captain Drew Petrie will return from his foot injuries in 2011, while Todd Goldstein has formed a strong ruck combination with Hamish McIntosh.

Hale told North's website in July that he was aware of his battle to overtake the pair.

"Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein have been playing well ... it's all about getting a team balance. If you play three ruckmen you're probably going to be too top heavy," he said.

"I'm hoping to ... play the next five games. If we have to sit down after that and figure out what's going to happen then that's what we do, but at this stage I'm a loyal North Melbourne man."