Veteran AFL journalist Damian Barrett is reporting that Collingwood is open to trading Jaidyn Stephenson.
The 2018 Rising Star winner had a quiet year, playing 14 games and kicking just 14 goals.
Barrett believes the Pies would be open to trading the 21-year-old for the right deal.
“There is a lot going on behind the scenes regarding Jaidyn Stephenson,” Barrett told AFL Trade Radio.
“He’s got a long-term contract to the Pies, certainly for two or three more years, but the Pies are also open to him not being part of their mix from next season onwards.
“It’s now official there is all sorts of stuff going on behind the scenes, they won a final, beat West Coast, went out, finished top six, but clearly what’s been going on has been something that will be one of the headlines of the 2020 trade period.
“The Jaidyn Stephenson one has come to light in the last 24 hours, we know there’s been issues off the field, he also went in 2020 with a glandular fever ailment, but it wasn’t a great year for him … this is a man who put together one of the great first seasons of footy in 2018.
“As I said a few moments ago I can tell you that the Pies, the default position is he’s a contracted player, but I can tell you the Pies are open to moving him out as well as part of what they do in 2020.”
Former Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni doesn’t think Collingwood’s desire to trade Stephenson, unlike Adam Treloar, would be coming from a point of view of trying to save some money.
“It’s concerning to think they’re putting him on the trade table,” Silvagni said.
“A NAB Rising Star winner can earn anywhere between $400-$500k per year in their second contract. He was clearly a different player this year, he lacked confidence.
“From afar, his body language was so different to (2018). I would love to see this kid mature over the next six months, work really hard and show the football world what he’s got.”