Middling Sun Brayden Fiorini could be set for a career rival next season following reports that Collingwood remains keen on attracting the 25-year-old's services.
While failing to feature for the expansion franchise after Round 18 this season, the Pies are said to have an eye on Fiorini, seeing the Northern Knights product as an import that wouldn't break their budget.
Though the Woods have been raised as a landing place for 2018 Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell during the upcoming sign and trade period, reports from News Corp suggest that the son of former Magpie Barry Mitchell's $700,000 price tag is too dear for the top-four side.
Conversely, Fiorini is set to earn within the vicinity of $500,000 across the final year of his deal at Carrara, and while the 76-gamer's stature is unlikely to stir the senses quite like wantaway Giant Tim Taranto, the former first-round draftee falls within the Pies budget.
Fiorini only tasted senior action on 14 occasions this season, with Suns coach Stuart Dew opting to employ youth in the centre of the park as his fledgling side finished 2022 with a 10-12 record.
The Victorian started the season with a bang, accruing an average of 24.6 disposals across the opening three rounds and posting a season-high of 29 during Gold Coast's upset victory over Sydney in Round 9.
While strapped with an arsenal of draft picks currently comprised of selections 15, 42, 47, 48 and 87, chief recruiter Graham Wright and his team will be busy in the coming months as they scurry to construct packages for Bobby Hill, Daniel McStay and Billy Frampton.
