The Age’s Sam McClure has revealed fresh details on Collingwood pair Jordan De Goey and Brodie Grundy’s contract situations and likely futures.
De Goey and Grundy are set to be among the most talked about players this trade period for different reasons.
De Goey is a restricted free agent at the end of 2022 after having his latest contract offer from the Magpies taken off the table in the wake of the Bali videos, while Grundy has five years to run on a lucrative deal and the Pies could look to get his salary off their books.
McClure says the club is “considering making brutal calls” on the duo.
He believes De Goey will end up at either Geelong or St Kilda.
"I'd be shocked and amazed if Jordan De Goey isn't playing for either Geelong or St Kilda next year."@sam_mcclure says the Magpies are considering making 'brutal' calls on some of their biggest stars, including on Brodie Grundy and Jordan De Goey.#9FootyClassified | @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/TSTIKJZ1Sx
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 18, 2022
“They’re going through an unbelievable run, potentially making a case for top four, all the while behind the scenes (they're) considering making brutal calls on next year’s list and the playing futures of Brodie Grundy and Jordan De Goey,” he 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 De Goey isn’t playing for either Geelong or St Kilda next year.”
Meanwhile, McClure also suggested Collingwood is open to offers for Grundy.
The South Australian was the subject of a big-money offer from the Crows before re-signing in Melbourne in 2020, and while a similar offer hasn’t come again in 2022 – according to McClure – Collingwood would listen if it did.
That’s due to the fact that 27-year-old Darcy Cameron has more than held his own in the ruck since taking Grundy’s role, and the club could look to back him in for the future.
“But the Brodie Grundy one is now the worst kept secret in football. He’s got five years left on a deal worth a million dollars a season, we know the circumstances surrounding how good a form he was in when he signed that deal, and clubs now believe and are being told that he’s very gettable,” he continued.
“They’ve been very open and upfront with both Brodie and his management that they’re not sure yet, they’re clearly waiting to see what, if any offers come.
“I’m not saying Brodie Grundy won’t be at Collingwood next year, in fact, I think he’s probably more likely to stay with the deal that he’s on … that is his preference, he’s very happy in Victoria.”
At the end of 2020, Collingwood was forced to trade Adam Treloar, Jaidyn Stephenson and Tom Phillips to protect their salary cap, however, McClure denied they were going through a similar firesale in 2022.
De Goey is currently sidelined with a quad injury, while Grundy is nearing a return from a significant PCL injury sustained in Round 6.