As the AFL trade deadline looms, speculation swirls around Collingwood’s premiership star Jordan De Goey as a potential “wildcard” trade option. Although De Goey has not been officially listed for trade, reports suggest the Magpies might entertain offers “at the right price.” This development comes as Collingwood faces the challenge of rejuvenating its aging roster and compensating for the absence of a first-round draft pick.
The Age reports that Hawthorn could emerge as a potential suitor for De Goey, particularly if they fail to secure Zach Merrett. Meanwhile, St Kilda, which has shown interest in De Goey in the past, remains linked to the midfielder-forward. Nine’s Tom Morris has indicated that Collingwood might consider a trade involving a top 10 draft pick for De Goey, who is contracted for two more years despite recent injury setbacks.
Strategic Rebuild for Collingwood
Collingwood’s current predicament is underscored by its aging player list and lack of early draft picks. The team appears to be in a strategic phase of rebuilding, aiming to inject fresh talent into its ranks. De Goey, at 29, is seen as possessing significant trade value, which could be leveraged to secure younger talent or future draft assets.
According to Herald Sun reporter Josh Barnes, De Goey’s name “won’t stop popping up” in trade discussions, despite no official interest from either the player or the club. “As far as we know, he’s not interested in being traded,” Barnes noted on Fox Footy’s Trading Day. “But his name just keeps coming up when you make calls during trade week.”
Potential Suitors and Market Dynamics
Hawthorn’s interest in De Goey is reportedly contingent on their pursuit of Zach Merrett, while whispers of St Kilda’s interest linger without concrete developments. The trade market dynamics are further complicated by Collingwood’s limited draft capital, with their earliest pick currently at No. 39.
In a parallel narrative, Collingwood has explored options with Kangaroos skipper Jy Simpkin. However, North Melbourne’s steep asking price of two first-round picks, coupled with Simpkin’s substantial salary, casts doubt on the feasibility of such a move. “It seems like their asking price is too steep,” commented Fox Sports News reporter David Zita. “Collingwood isn’t going to give two first-round picks for Jy Simpkin.”
Expert Opinions and Market Analysis
Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy weighed in on Simpkin’s situation, emphasizing the challenges of demanding a high transfer fee without a commanding presence in a bottom-tier team’s midfield. “If you don’t demand a spot in the midfield of a side on the bottom of the ladder, it’s hard to see how you can demand a huge transfer fee,” Healy remarked.
Josh Barnes echoed similar sentiments regarding Collingwood’s pursuit of Simpkin, suggesting that the club isn’t prioritizing resources to secure the 28-year-old. “I’m not sure they’re really investing time in getting resources for Jy Simpkin,” Barnes stated. “North Melbourne wants to keep him as the captain and he’s a good leader. But realistically, on that salary, they should be happy to let him go.”
Implications and Future Prospects
The unfolding trade discussions highlight the delicate balance Collingwood must maintain between immediate competitiveness and long-term strategic planning. The potential trade of De Goey or acquisition of players like Simpkin could significantly impact the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons.
As the trade deadline approaches, the AFL community watches closely to see if Collingwood will make bold moves to reshape its roster. The decisions made in these final hours could set the tone for the club’s future, influencing both on-field performance and off-field strategies.
With the clock ticking, the outcome of these trade negotiations remains uncertain. However, what is clear is Collingwood’s intent to navigate this period with an eye on sustainable success, balancing immediate needs with future aspirations.
