Collingwood and Melbourne have brokered a deal that has sent Brody Mihocek to the Demons.

Mihocek, along with Pick 71, joins Melbourne, while the Pies receive Pick 61 and the Demons' 2026 third-round selection.

"I believe change has been a good thing for me throughout my career," Mihocek told Melbourne Media.

"It's always nerve-wracking, but there's good people everywhere, and I'll meet a lot of good people at Melbourne.

"Something excites me about [Steven] King coming in as a new coach and playing with a younger group, seeing what I can bring in a leadership role and as an older player."

The 33-year-old was an unrestricted free agent, but the two clubs preferred to deal in terms of trade, especially Melbourne, given they didn't want to dilute the compensation received for Charlie Spargo's (currently Pick 42) move to North Melbourne.

He joins Max Heath (St Kilda) as new faces at the club.

"We're excited to officially welcome Brody to the club," AFL List Manager Tim Lamb said.

"Brody has been a consistent performer at the elite level for a number of years now, and his presence up forward, as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard, will be a great addition for us.

“He is a terrific character, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in the red and blue."

Mihocek played 159 games for Collingwood, including the 2023 premiership, and was a five-time leading goalkicker for the club.

He began his AFL career late, taken with Pick 22 in the 2017 Rookie Draft, and made an immediate impact, helping the Pies return to September after a four-year absence.

The acquisition of Mihocek for Melbourne will help bolster their offensive stocks, which have been an area of concern since the club's drought-breaking premiership in 2021.

The likes of Harrison Petty, Tom McDonald, Dan Turner and Bayley Fritsch had all been used in front-half roles, but have also found themselves playing in different positions.

Jacob van Rooyen also needs some assistance as he continues to develop.

As for the Pies, they are hopeful of trading in Sydney's Jack Buller to replace Mihocek, whilst relying on Tim Membrey and Dan McStay in 2026.

Mason Cox has been told to explore his options, but could remain at the club, depending on how the trade period runs out.