SEN’s Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund believes Collingwood’s Fin Macrae has a big decision to make this off-season.
The former first-round pick is compiling a strong season in the VFL for the Magpies in 2023, averaging 26.5 disposals, but hasn’t appeared at senior level so far this campaign.
With just 11 AFL games to his name since debuting in 2021, Edmund believes Macrae will have to weigh up whether he wants to bide his time at Collingwood or go in search of senior opportunities elsewhere.
“Just while we're on the subject of players who may or may not be moving, Fin Macrae is an interesting one for the future as well at Collingwood,” Edmund told SEN Breakfast.
“He had another dominant VFL performance at the weekend, albeit unfortunately he got a crack in his thumb and he’s going to miss three or four weeks.
“Surgery is booked in for him, unfortunately, so this year doesn't look like it at all from a senior perspective, but he's had an amazing season (in the VFL).
“He was pick 19 in the 2020 draft, nine games in 2021, but only two since.
“He'll be 22 in March, so he's got a serious decision to make.
“His contract expires coincidentally at the end of next year.”
Given Macrae will be 22 in March and would almost certainly play senior football at a raft of other clubs, Edmund questioned how long he’s happy to stay put at the AIA Centre.
“So, are you going to stay and bide your time at Collingwood, and if so, for how long?” Edmund asked.
“Or are you going to go and pursue opportunities elsewhere?
“These are the things that when you're so good and you've got such depth like Collingwood that some fall out of the bug.
“How long do you give it though? He’s coming into his prime here, he’ll be 22 in March.
“Can you see light at the end of the tunnel? All players want to play, don't they?
“Or do you then assess it and you go elsewhere.”
While Macrae is contracted until the end of the 2024 season, Edmund was asked whether he’d have suitors if he pushed for a trade this off-season.
“Oh, absolutely,” Edmund replied.
“Anyone would say if you went to a Collingwood VFL game at the moment, they're not all there just to watch Fin Macrae, but they're there to watch all those who can't get into this unbelievably stocked 23.
“The recruiters are there, 100 per cent.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae told SEN earlier this month that he’s been impressed with the youngster’s VFL form and that patience may be the only thing required for him to have a long career in the black and white.