Fly lure: How many big fish can the Pies land this trade period?

Collingwood Football Club is preparing an aggressive off-season strategy aimed at countering predictions that its aging roster will decline rapidly. The Magpies intend to pursue multiple high-profile targets during the upcoming trade period, seeking to bolster a squad currently ranked eighth on the ladder. This approach comes as the club attempts to secure another flag push with its current group, despite regular criticism regarding a lack of top-line youth. The team has won seven of its last eight matches, climbing into eighth spot and securing qualification for the inaugural wildcard round. However, coach Craig McRae and his staff appear unsatisfied with merely making the finals. The urgency stems from the age profile of the list. Twelve players, including Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, Jamie Elliott, Scott Pendlebury, Dan McStay, Darcy Cameron, Billy Frampton, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp, Tim Membrey, Darcy Moore, and Jeremy Howe, will be thirty or older by the end of the year. While Sidebottom is likely to retire, the futures of other out-of-contract veterans remain uncertain. Critics point to the club's recent drafting history, noting that Collingwood picked higher than number seventeen just once in the past seven drafts. That exception occurred in 2021, when the club matched Gold Coast’s bid on Nick Daicos at number four. Recruiting manager Shane O’Bree selected Sam Swadling at number 37 last year. Swadling has averaged fifteen disposals and kicked a goal in five of his six AFL appearances. The Magpies' recent victory over West Coast featured their least experienced side since Ed Allan debuted in round 11 of 2024. Allan recently received a contract offer. Central to Collingwood’s plans is the pursuit of restricted free agent Zak Butters of Port Adelaide. The club is prepared to extend an extraordinary long-term offer reportedly valued at approximately $1.8 million per annum. Other clubs, including Richmond, Western Bulldogs, and Geelong, are also interested in the midfielder. Industry expectations suggest the Power will match any offer sheet, forcing the successful bidder to negotiate a trade. Such a move would jeopardize Collingwood’s ability to retain its first-round pick this year. Many observers consider Butters unlikely to choose the Magpies. Beyond Butters, Collingwood has set its sights on dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale of the Brisbane Lions. Neale is a free agent, and the Magpies utilized this player movement mechanism successfully two years ago to recruit Harry Perryman from the Giants. The club is also monitoring veteran forward Jesse Hogan of the Giants and free agent Jake Stringer. Additionally, Hawthorn’s Calsher Dear, who is currently out of favor, is on their radar. Dear holds a two-year offer from Hawthorn. It remains unclear whether Collingwood intends to sign only one or several of these players. The Giants appear poised for a roster reset, with captain Toby Greene potentially moving to Geelong at the end of the season. Consequently, Hogan may become available at a lower cost on the trade table. Meanwhile, Max Gruzewski has extended his tenure with the Giants for two years. One experienced industry source expressed skepticism about Collingwood’s ability to attract Butters, Neale, and Hogan simultaneously. List boss Justin Leppitsch was observed watching Dear during a VFL match between Box Hill and North Melbourne earlier this month. Interest in Dear extends beyond Collingwood. Geelong has indicated a desire to find a long-term attacking partner for Shannon Neale following Jeremy Cameron’s departure. Melbourne, St Kilda, and Carlton are also interested in the forward. Broader market dynamics influence these negotiations. Clubs that fail to secure Butters face decisions on whether to save the allocated budget to front-load contracts for existing players or pivot to alternative big-name options. A similar situation exists with Adelaide, which is attempting to lure premiership winner Zac Bailey away from Brisbane. The competitive landscape involves complex interactions between salary caps, player preferences, and strategic timelines. Collingwood’s management acknowledges the risks associated with relying on an aging core while attempting to inject new talent through free agency and trades. The outcome of these negotiations will define the club’s trajectory for the remainder of the decade. As the trade period approaches, attention turns to how the Magpies balance financial constraints with the ambition to challenge for premierships. The movement of key assets like Butters and Neale will dictate the depth of the market for other clubs as well. All eyes are on whether the Pies can execute their multi-pronged recruitment drive before the deadline passes.