Collingwood is among a small group of Melbourne-based clubs trying to tempt Daniel McStay away from Brisbane as the key forward wrestles with his future.
Unrestricted free agent McStay would command a five-year deal in the vicinity of $600,000 a year at the Pies or another suitor given his growing presence and the demand for big forwards.
The Lions’ deep playing list means they can’t meet that financial bar, but McStay loves life in Brisbane, has a sense of loyalty and in an ideal world would stay at the Gabba.
However, he won’t be rushed. While the Lions and McStay’s management remain in regular conversation, the player told the club he was intent on thinking it over when the Lions were eager to re-sign him at the start of the year.
At 26, McStay is weighing up the most significant decision of his career.
As much as he loves life in Queensland and is settled, the Melbourne-born left-footer is aware that this is his one chance to sample the fruits of free agency.
McStay booted 28.10 from 19 games last year before being concussed in the qualifying final loss to Melbourne and ruled out in the following week’s semi-final defeat to the Western Bulldogs.
He has been named to return from an ankle injury this week after impressing in the first third of this season.