
One of Collingwood’s biggest stars has reached a contract “stalemate” and is “seriously considering” a move to a rival club
Collingwood Star Reaches Contract “Stalemate” – Eyes Move to Rival Club
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, one of the Collingwood Football Club’s biggest stars is reportedly at a contract “stalemate” with the club’s management and is now “seriously considering” a high-profile move to a rival club. While negotiations had been underway for several weeks, insiders close to the matter claim talks have stalled, and tensions between the player’s representatives and the club have begun to escalate behind closed doors.
The player in question—whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed but is believed to be a central figure in Collingwood’s recent success—has expressed growing frustration with the terms being offered. Despite his elite performances and value to the team both on and off the field, the club has allegedly hesitated to meet the financial and contractual length demands his management team is pushing for.
Sources say the impasse revolves around a combination of base salary, incentive clauses, and contract duration. While Collingwood remains eager to retain the star, the club’s tight salary cap and long-term list management strategy have complicated negotiations.
> “This isn’t just about money,” said one source close to the negotiations. “It’s also about respect, commitment, and the direction the club is taking. He wants to feel valued as a long-term cornerstone of Collingwood’s future.”
The potential departure would be a massive blow to the Magpies, who are still reeling from key injuries and inconsistent form in the 2025 season. The star player has been a pivotal figure in their rise to prominence in recent years, with his leadership, athleticism, and match-winning ability becoming hallmarks of the club’s on-field identity.
Rival clubs are already circling.
Multiple clubs have reportedly reached out to the player’s management in recent weeks, sensing the rift with Collingwood could soon reach a breaking point. Among the clubs believed to be most interested are Carlton, Sydney, and the Western Bulldogs—all of whom have salary cap room and are looking to add star power heading into the 2026 campaign.
The potential move to a rival would not only be a massive coup for the acquiring club but would add an intense narrative layer to future matchups—especially if the player were to sign with traditional rivals like Carlton.
Collingwood fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to express both concern and frustration. Some blame the club’s hierarchy for dragging its feet on negotiations, while others caution patience, citing the club’s successful record of retaining key players in the past.
> “We can’t afford to lose him. He bleeds black and white,” one supporter posted.
“This is how you lose a premiership window,” another wrote.
With the trade period approaching and clubs beginning to finalize their off-season strategies, time is running out for Collingwood to secure an agreement and fend off the advances of rivals. The club is expected to issue a formal statement in the coming days, though insiders warn that, unless a significant breakthrough occurs soon, the player’s exit could become the biggest AFL story of the off-season.
Whether this impasse ends in a reconciliatory contract extension or a headline-making transfer remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: a major AFL domino could be on the verge of falling.
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