Collingwood coach Craig McRae has shared updates on the Magpies’ off-season player movement strategy, confirming that the club is no longer considering Essendon’s Jake Stringer as a trade target. Despite this, Collingwood remains active in seeking new players ahead of next month’s trade window.
Recently, there was speculation about Stringer’s availability after he was informed he could explore other options for a longer contract. Although the veteran forward activated a one-year extension for 2025, he is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal that the Bombers are not currently willing to provide.
This situation has prompted Stringer to evaluate his options in the market, with both Collingwood and Sydney showing interest in the dynamic forward. However, McRae indicated that Collingwood’s interest has diminished, stating that Stringer will not be joining their roster next season.
“We considered it when we saw that Jake Stringer was unsigned. We evaluated our depth,” McRae mentioned during an interview with SEN on Wednesday. “But I can confidently say that we won’t be bringing Jake Stringer to our club. We conducted our due diligence regarding his fit within our roster, finances, and contract duration.”
“He won’t be joining Collingwood next year.”
The Magpies have shifted their focus to GWS free agent Harry Perryman, making a late effort to outbid other interested clubs, particularly Port Adelaide.
Perryman, being a free agent, would not require a trade cost, and McRae has reiterated his intention to prioritize acquiring players over draft picks as he aims to rebuild the team for a return to premiership contention.
“We’re interested in Harry, that’s true,” McRae stated.
“I’m a coach who wants to bring in players. I mentioned this at the end of the season. It’s challenging because we’re all fishing from the same pool.
“But I prefer players over picks; not just any players, but those who will enhance our team. We’re quite deliberate about that.
“We believe Harry can improve our squad, and we’re hoping to convince him that Collingwood is the right fit for him.”
Melbourne free agent Adam Tomlinson is another player linked to a possible move to Collingwood, but the Magpies still need to address several internal contract issues.
Coach Craig McRae confirmed that he has taken a “proactive” approach in efforts to keep second-year speedster Joe Richards, although he acknowledges that Richards is considering a potential move to Port Adelaide.
Collingwood may enhance their draft picks, which currently include Picks 33, 48, and 51, due to the anticipated departure of defender John Noble, who has requested a trade to Queensland.
The 2024 trade period opens on Monday, October 7, and will continue until the evening of Wednesday, October 16.
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