Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy has played a straight bat in his response to questions over his future at Olympic Park following recent reports suggesting the dual All-Australian may be "gettable" for rival clubs.
The speculation surrounding Grundy arose in recent weeks when former Port Adelaide and Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff linked the 28-year-old to the exit door at the AIA Centre, despite his current contract not expiring until the end of 2027.
Grundy's name returned to trade discussions this week when reporter Sam McClure suggested the 203cm tall Magpie may be attainable for any keen suitors, with Collingwood perhaps in favour of in-form ruckman Darcy Cameron for the future.
When questioned on his playing future, Grundy was quick to draw attention to his focus in returning from injury and his long-term deal with the club, which is understood to be worth close to $1 million per season.
โIโm not going to be dragged into that," he toldย 7 News.ย
โI signed a long-term deal and Iโm looking forward to getting back into the team.
โIโm putting my hand up (to play this week).
โIโll be finding that out today (what boxes I need to tick), but Iโve had some really good preparation.โ
Port Adelaide would be seen as the leading rival to potentially lure Grundy out of Collingwood, with the South Australian having been linked to his home state prior to inking his seven-year deal in 2020.
Unlike the Crows, the Power have been forced to mix and match their ruck stocks this season, with Scott Lycett's absence seeing Ken Hinkley utilsie forward duo Jeremy Finlayson and Charlie Dixon in the centre.
While Adelaide are unlikely to move for Grundy, the West Lakes club have been floated as a potential suitor for his teammate Jordan De Goey, who is unsigned for next season and eligible to exercise his rights as a free agent for 2023 and beyond.
Former Bulldog and Bomber Adam Cooney touted the Crows to be an ideal landing spot for De Goey given Matt Crouch's likely departure at season's end, arguing the SA club should join the Cats and Saints in being linked to the out-of-contract Magpie.
โIโm suggesting that there should be more than two clubs that are involved in chasing Jordan De Goey,โ Cooney toldย SEN.ย
โI think the Adelaide Crows should be chasing Jordan De Goey.
โHeโs the exact type of player that they need in the middle of the ground.
โMatt Crouch has found himself out of favour, so heโll go, heโll leave at the end of the year.
โTheyโve got a medium-sized midfield, theyโve drafted medium-sized players in the last few years โ (Josh) Rachele is going to be an electric forward, (Jake) Soligo, Sam Berry, these sorts of players.
โ(Ben) Keays is a reasonable size, but they needed a big-bodied elite midfielder in there.
โTheyโre three to four years away from contending. If Jordan De Goey goes to the Adelaide Crows, that fast-tracks it.
โThe missing ingredient for the Crows is an elite midfielder.โ
De Goey is currently sidelined for at least another week with a quad injury, while Grundy will be in the frame for his return from a PCL setback sustained in Round 6.
Collingwood will take on close rivals Essendon at the MCG on Sunday at 3:20pm (AEST).
