Contracted Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy is understood to be gaining interest from the Cats and Demons, with the latter reportedly meeting with the two-time All-Australian ruckman.
Despite being tied to the Magpies until the end of the 2027 season, Grundy's future has been speculated this season amid Collingwood's rise to premiership contention in his absence.
Contracted on a reported $1 million-per-season deal for the next five seasons, an exit at Olympic Park for Grundy would allow the Magpies immense wiggle room to not only re-sign star midfielder Jordan De Goey, but lure in-demand talent in the likes of Daniel McStay, Tim Taranto and Bobby Hill.
While Collingwood have stressed Grundy is a required figure at the club, the ruckman's services have been linked with a potential move away from the Magpies, with GWS and Port Adelaide both rumoured to be keeping tabs on the 28-year-old's situation.
Now, as reported byย News Corp,ย both Geelong and Melbourne have emerged as keen suitors for Grundy.
The Demons are keen to retain a strong one-two ruck punch beyond this year, but seem resigned to the fact young star Luke Jackson will depart for Fremantle, leaving captain Max Gawn without a recognised ruck partner.
3AW'sย Sam McClure has also revealed that the Demons have held discussions with Grundy, potentially looking to pair two of the competition's best talls together under Simon Goodwin.
โBrodie Grundy has met with Melbourne in recent days,โ McClure told Sportsday on Tuesday night.
โSimon Goodwin was definitely there, Alan Richardson was definitely there, and Max Gawn was definitely there.
โClearly Melbourne is of the belief that Luke Jackson is going to Fremantle, so theyโre on the look out and getting in early in the queue for a direct replacement.
โCould we see Brodie Grundy pairing with Max Gawn next season?โ
The Cats have constantly been in the market for a first-string ruckman, recruiting former Hawk Jon Celgar at the end of last season.
Rhys Stanley, who joined the Cats from the Saints at the end of 2014, has looked to hold down the fort in recent seasons and has enjoyed a strong campaign this year.
At 31 years of age, Stanley is into the twilight of his career, along with Ceglar, who is of equal age.
Grundy has played 177 games for the Magpies across 10 seasons at the club, and would need to be part of a trade to leave Collingwood this off-season.
