Contracted Collingwood utility Harry DeMattia will explore his options at rival clubs this off-season in search of more AFL opportunity.
DeMattia is contracted at the Pies for another 12 months, but is yet to make his debut since he was taken with Pick 25 in the 2023 draft.
He's played multiple roles, which, according to his manager James Pitcher of Odyssey Sports Management, has attracted a few clubs, albeit in the early stages.
"He's had some really good VFL form and has warranted an opportunity at AFL level," Pitcher said on AFL Trade Radio.
"Fortunately, we have another year to go at the Pies, and he'll see out that contract there. But if I can find an opportunity somewhere else to get that AFL exposure, I'd love that, because he's got everything you need in a modern player.
"He's got speed. He's got power. He's got skill. He's professional. He's played a number of roles. He won the VFL Best and Fairest last year. He's a young guy who deserves an opportunity."
Pitcher elaborated on DeMattia's pitch to rival clubs and what he could bring to an AFL side.
"You try to identify the other lists and where you can find a hole or a gap where Harry could go in to," Pitcher explained.
"You can only sell so much. List managers do so much of their own work. They'll make their own judgement. But we're trying to promote the fact of what Harry can bring to a list. He's dynamic around the footy; he's played half back, wing, mid, half forward. Sometimes versatility can be the ultimate downfall when you don't have an exact position, but there's a couple of roles he could play at a number of clubs moving forward."
Pies football boss Justin Leppitsch confirmed DeMattia's intention of exploring his options away from Olympic Park, saying he'd try to facilitate a move if it works out for both parties.
"Harry's obviously the first-round pick for us a few years ago, but he's watched some players go past him. He's looking for greater opportunity," Leppitsch said on AFL Trade Radio.
"And we just said to him, of course. At the selection table, we've not selected him on numerous occasions. We understand that he might be better off in a new environment. So we'll support whatever that looks like."
