AFL 2022: Brisbane’s unrestricted free agent Daniel McStay joins Collingwood on five-year deal

Daniel McStay’s long-mooted move to Collingwood is now a reality, with the former Lion signing with the Magpies as an unrestricted free agent.

Collingwood has scored a new weapon for coach Craig McRae, with former Lion Daniel McStay’s signing as an unrestricted free agent.

McStay returns to Victoria after nine years and 161 games for Brisbane to give the Magpies the extra marking target McRae craved all season.

The 195cm forward crosses to the black and white on a lucrative five-year deal that was public knowledge months ago but only official on Tuesday.

The Lions will receive a second-round compensation pick, which is currently No.35.

“I thank the Brisbane Lions for the past nine years – for those who have nurtured me during my early years and moulded me into the footballer I am today,” McStay said.

“Melbourne is my home, but Brisbane will always hold a special place in my heart.

“Together, my partner and I, decided to move back home to Melbourne and I am so pleased to come to an agreement with Collingwood. It is where I want to be for the remainder of my football career.”

McStay, 27, could replace Mason Cox in serving also as Collingwood’s relief ruckman for No.1 big man Darcy Cameron, with Brodie Grundy to cross to Melbourne in the coming days.

Daniel McStay, pictured with Richmond’s Toby Nankervis, is expected to have some ruck duties at Collingwood. Picture: Mark Stewart

McStay has never kicked more than 28 goals in a single season but will help ease the aerial reliance on Brody Mihocek, who booted a career-high 41 this year.

The Pies also secured small forward Bobby Hill in a trade from the Giants on Monday for what amounted to a future second-round pick as they prepare to overhaul their attack.

They join a forward mix that includes Mihocek, Jamie Elliott, Jack Ginnivan, Beau McCreery, Will Hoskin-Elliott and Ash Johnson – plus Ollie Henry, if a trade doesn’t occur with Geelong.

Collingwood’s head of football Graham Wright said McStay’s positional versatility was a big part of his appeal.

Bobby Hill is one of two Collingwood recruits so far. Picture: Getty Images

“We needed key position help, so that was the reason to go after Dan,” Wright said.

“He’s able to play as a key forward but he can also go back and pitch in, in the ruck.

“That was the reason; that he can play multiple positions and is a free agent, so from that perspective it was attractive and we’re pleased that Dan has made the decision to come across.”

The Magpies are amid a hectic trade period that will also see them secure Adelaide key defender Billy Frampton, while they could also broker deals for Tom Mitchell, Brayden Fiorini and Sam Hayes.

Originally published as AFL 2022: Brisbane’s unrestricted free agent Daniel McStay joins Collingwood on five-year deal