Collingwood has made a major move for out-of-contract Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters.
The Pies are willing to make a club-record contract offer to the 25-year-old free agent.
AFL Media is reporting that the Pies are offering around $1.8 million per season for eight years as Collingwood makes a mega late play for one of the game's best players.
It had been believed the race for Butters' signature was down to the Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Richmond. However, Collingwood is making a giant late swing for Butters.
The Pies had used their own superstar Nick Daicos earlier in the season as part of a pitch to Butters.
Collingwood is also deep in pursuit of two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, meaning the Pies could potentially have a starting midfield of Daicos, Butters and Neale for Round 1, 2027.
Butters has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most talented players in the league during his eight seasons at Port Adelaide.
The gun midfielder has earned two All-Australian blazers, three best-and-fairest accolades, a Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award and two AFLPA Most Courageous Player Awards.
Collingwood is believed to have freed up some of its salary cap restraints after its deal with former ruckman Brodie Grundy runs out at the end of the season.
The Pies have also offloaded Bobby Hill's contract in an agreement between the club and player.
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly recently confirmed the club's interest in Butters.
"We'd be negligent not to be (helping list manager) Justin Leppitsch and his team, with support from both the board and ourselves, talking to anyone, and Zak's definitely one of those players,” Kelly said.
"(Butters is) a great player, a great person, and he's coming back to Victoria and we'd like him to consider our club."
