‘Shocked and amazed’: Magpies poised to act with stars’ futures in limbo

Two of Collingwood’s biggest names may not be at the Pies much longer as the club considers making some “brutal” roster decisions.

Collingwood is keeping its options open.

Collingwood is reportedly prepared to make some “brutal” calls around its list management, considering options that could see two of the club’s biggest names moved on.

Jordan De Goey’s management is shopping the controversial star to rival clubs, as it becomes unlikely he will remain with the Magpies following yet another off-field scandal when he was filmed partying in Bali during the bye-round break earlier this season.

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Brodie Grundy’s future is also reportedly unclear. Collingwood gave the ruckman a monster seven-year, $7 million contract extension in January 2020 but he’s no certainty to see that deal through, according to AFL journalist Sam McClure.

“Behind the scenes they (Collingwood) are considering making brutal calls on next year’s list, and the playing futures of Brodie Grundy and Jordan De Goey,” McClure told Footy Classified on Monday night.

“We know already De Goey is unlikely to be at Collingwood next year. Jordan himself has become aware he’s being shopped around — he 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 either Geelong or St Kilda next year.”

There were rumours De Goey was unhappy at how he was treated as he was blasted for being in the centre of yet another scandal following his mid-season trip to Bali.

He was granted a leave of absence but has since returned to Collingwood’s team, though whether he’ll still be there in 2023 is up in the air.

Jordan De Goey’s career is at the crossroads. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Grundy still has five years to go on his mega deal at $1 million a season, but a drop in form since he signed that contract extension has led Collingwood to entertain the possibility of letting him go, should a suitor come calling with the right offer.

McClure said Grundy’s situation is the “worst-kept secret in football” and rival clubs “are being told he is very gettable”.

“They (Collingwood) have been very open and upfront with Brodie and his management that they’re not sure yet. They’re clearly waiting to see if any offers come," McClure said.

“He’s obviously on a big pay packet, the South Australian offers were there a couple of years ago, from the Adelaide Football Club … they aren’t there as we speak right now, that doesn’t mean they won’t come.

“I’m not saying Brodie Grundy’s not going to be at Collingwood next year. In fact I think he’s probably more likely to stay, given the deal he’s on … and that is his preference, he’s very happy in Victoria.”

Collingwood was hammered for the “fire sale” that took place in the 2020 trade period as Adam Treloar, Jaidyn Stephenson and Tom Phillips were forced out against their wishes because the Pies needed to bend their salary cap back into shape.

McClure says the situation with Grundy and Treloar is different, but still revolves around the club balancing its salary cap to push for a premiership soon.

Brodie Grundy signed a monster deal with Collingwood. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“This is not the same fire sale that saw Adam Treloar and Jaidyn Stephenson among others leave Collingwood a couple of years ago,” he told Footy Classified.

“But this is Collingwood trying to balance a salary cap and put itself in best position to win a flag in the next few years.

“Collingwood would sit here tonight and say he (Grundy) is staying, he’s a contracted player and we want him to stay. But they are absolutely open to, and listening to, offers for him.

“And he’s aware of that situation.”

Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said he can’t see Grundy leaving.

“I can’t see why Grundy would agree to leave,” Cornes told SEN Breakfast. “Both the club & Grundy have committed long-term, so he is well within his rights to stay.

“And he is a player that you could never question his effort — he hasn’t signed his contract and then sat back satisfied.”

Originally published as ‘Shocked and amazed’: Magpies poised to act with stars’ futures in limbo