Collingwood coach Craig McRae has outlined the latest on the Magpies’ off-season player movement plans, confirming the club is no longer looking at Essendon’s Jake Stringer as a trade option despite remaining active in wanting to bring in players through next month’s window.
Stringer’s services have been raised as potentially attainable in recent weeks after the ex-Bulldog was informed he could look elsewhere should he desire a longer contract.
The veteran forward triggered a one-year extension for 2025 this season but is said to be keen on a multi-year deal, one the Bombers aren’t currently willing to offer.
The situation has left Stringer to assess his options on the open market, with Collingwood and Sydney linked to the lively attacker.
Interest from the Magpies has since cooled, with McRae revealing Stringer won’t be pulling on the black and white next year after their interest faded.
“We looked at it as it came across our desk that Jake Stringer’s not signed. You have a look at the depth of it,” McRae told SEN on Wednesday.
“But I’m happy to say here that we won’t be bringing Jake Stringer to our footy club. We did our research and all the things behind the scenes (to see) where he fits on our list, money, tenure.
“He won’t be coming to Collingwood next year.”
The Magpies have turned their attention to GWS free agent Harry Perryman, with the reigning premiers making a late push to try and outbid other keen clubs, namely Port Adelaide.
Perryman would come at no trade cost given his free agency status, with McRae reaffirming his desire to prioritise players over picks as part of his hopeful build back toward premiership contention.
“We’ve got interest in Harry, that’s true,” McRae said.
“I’m a coach that wants to bring players in. I said that at the end of the season. It’s hard, it’s such a hard market fishing from the same pond.
“But I don’t want picks, I want players. Not just any player but players that are going to make us better. We’re somewhat deliberate on that.
“We think Harry can make us better and we’re hoping we can put a case to him that he thinks Collingwood is the place for him.”
Melbourne free agent Adam Tomlinson is another name tied to a potential Collingwood move, but the Magpies still need to settle on a number of internal contract matters.
McRae confirmed he has held a “proactive” role in the club’s bid to retain second-year speedster Joe Richards, but understands a decision to potentially move to the Power is on his mind.
Collingwood could add to their draft hand – which currently reads as Picks 33, 48 and 51 – with the expected loss of defender John Noble, who has asked the club for a trade to Queensland.
The 2024 trade period opens on Monday, October 7 and will run through to the evening of Wednesday, October 16.
