Collingwood coach Craig McRae believes Ed Allan's future will work itself out amid an impressive stretch of form.
Allan was drafted by the Pies in 2022 with Pick 19, but has struggled to cement his position in the senior side, failing to debut until his second season in the black and white.
He played 13 games last year and missed out on playing in the finals.
Allan has since played another 11 games this year, including the last seven matches largely as a run-with player.
“He seems like he is really starting to settle into it. Probably the first time he has had a comfort that he doesn't have to wait for selection to see if he is in the team. That's hard when you are living that,” McRae said.
“His form will warrant [a contract extension] if he keeps doing what he is doing. I don't think it is an issue.”
Allan's out-of-contract status had him briefly linked to West Coast and Gold Coast, but a move to rival clubs appears unlikely.
However, there will be plenty of intrigue around how Collingwood manages its list in the upcoming off-season, with decisions around Scott Pendlebury, Jeremy Howe, Steele Sidebottom and Tim Membrey yet to be confirmed.
Pendlebury and Howe have indicated their desire to continue playing in 2027, while Membrey's recent vein of form could force the Pies to include him in their plans.
All the while, Collingwood is expected to land Brisbane star Lachie Neale as an unrestricted free agent, with reports indicating he could sign a three-year deal to join the Victorian powerhouse.
Other uncontracted players at Olympic Park include depth options Wil Parker, Lachie Sullivan and Jakob Ryan.
