Collingwood is reportedly considering making “brutal” list decisions which could potentially see both Jordan De Goey and Brodie Grundy leave the club at the end of the year.
According to The Age’s Sam McClure, the Magpies are more than open to seeing both big-money stars leave the club this year, provided there are workable deals available from rivals.
De Goey will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, with Collingwood pulling an offer earlier in the season which could’ve seen him earn up to $3.2 million over four years.
READ MORE: Smith marks first in nearly 30 years in British Open win
READ MORE: Question that irked Smith after winning Open Championship
READ MORE: ‘Arrogant’ Storm sink to seven-year low
READ MORE: What surprised Billy most about Maroons triumph
“This is Collingwood trying to balance a salary cap to put themselves in the best position to win a flag in the next few years,” McClure said on Nine’s Footy Classified.
“We know already that Jordan De Goey is unlikely to be at Collingwood next year. Clubs have become aware, in fact, Jordan himself has become aware that he’s being shopped around and he himself and his management have taken it upon themselves to start making their own calls to football clubs.
“I’d be shocked and amazed if Jordan De Goey isn’t playing for Geelong or St Kilda next year.”
Grundy’s situation is very different to De Goey’s, with the 28-year-old signed through the 2027 season with Collingwood on a lucrative deal that sees him earn $1 million per season.
If Collingwood is to offload the two-time All-Australian ruckman in a trade deal, it would need to pay some of his salary, as it currently does with Adam Treloar, who was traded to the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2020.
“The Brodie Grundy one is now the worst-kept secret in football,” McClure said.
“Clubs now believe and are being told that he is very gettable. They’ve been very open and up front with both Brodie and his management that they’re not sure yet. They’re obviously waiting to see what and if any offers come.
Footy Classified is now available as a podcast! Subscribe/follow via Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts
“Collingwood would sit here tonight and say that he’s staying and he’s a contracted player and we want him to stay, but they are absolutely open to and listening to offers for him. He is aware of that situation.”
McClure suggested that if Collingwood was able to shed itself of both De Goey and Grundy’s contracts at the end of the year, that it could lure GWS Giants star Tim Taranto to the club.