Will an important Blue listen to rival offers?
How much will Scott Pendlebury bank from the game-record breaking merchandise?
And who are the Pies moving on from?
All that and more from media buzz...
Pair of Blues leaders
Murmurs about the futures of Carlton duo Patrick Cripps and Jacob Weitering continue to permeate through the AFL landscape, with the latest report suggesting they would entertain offers.
Cripps (2027) and Weitering (2031) are deemed as one of few players with trade value, and if the Blues were to rebuild, could they be kickstarted by the departures of their leaders?
"I'm absolutely certain clubs will ask the question of Jacob Weitering's management and Carlton... and it's my belief Jacob will listen to those offers." 👀
Sam McClure with some news on a pair of Blues stars.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/QpRE4rV6DH
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 11, 2026
Pendles payday
Collingwood superstar Scott Pendlebury is set to earn a six-figure pay from his record-breaking appearance.
An AFL statement revealed that any commercial arrangement will remain private and confidential.
Pendlebury could wear up until at least eight jumpers throughout the course of the game.
With Scott Pendlebury set to earn what's believed to be a six-figure windfall from his record-breaking appearance... would rival clubs be within their rights to question the AFL's exemption? #9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/p9a08ysfRZ
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 11, 2026
The Pies icon is set to earn 100 percent of the profits made on merchandise for his record-breaking game.
The 2017-2022 CBA had a testimonial clause for up to $100,000, but that was scrapped in the new CBA (2023-2027) which meant that Collingwood needed to seek approval from the AFL.
Ordinarily, players would receive only 65 percent of profits, which shows just how much the Pies value Pendlebury.
"Ordinarily, 65 per cent of the profits would go to the player... Collingwood's waived that. Scott Pendlebury is making all the money."
Scott Pendlebury will get 100 per cent of profits made on merchandise for his record-breaking game, per Tom Morris. pic.twitter.com/TuglFDgrU9
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2026
No King for Pies
Collingwood is understood to be pulling out of the race for Gold Coast free agent Ben King, who is tipped to sign a two-year extension with the Suns.
The Pies have long been in need of a key forward, and their interest in King dates back to well over a year ago.
However, a report on Channel Seven has suggested the Victorian powerhouse is no longer chasing.
Collingwood is pulling out of the race for Ben King's signature, per Mitch Cleary. pic.twitter.com/PCKRHZbda9
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2026
Jed Walter and Mitch Lewis remain uncontracted for next year.
Swans game to big a Hill to climb
Collingwood is expected to be without Bobby Hill for Friday night's blockbuster against Sydney.
Hill has been working his way back after a tumultuous back-half of last year, but has rarely put a foot wrong in proving he is ready to return to the AFL.
The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist has spent the past month in the VFL, building up his loads, but is still tipped to miss this weekend.
"My information tonight is he is highly unlikely to be selected for that game."
Damo with the latest on Bobby Hill, as Lloydy wonders whether the Magpies could look to move on from the Norm Smith medallist at season's end.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/Nm1nGteDYE
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 11, 2026
