Collingwood coach Craig McRae has reiterated his hopes free agent Jordan De Goey will remain in black and white next year in the wake of the star's emphatic performance in Friday night's win over Melbourne.
The victory sees the Magpies strengthen their bid for a potential minor premiership in McRae's first year at the helm, having claimed 11 successive wins and heading toward a surprising top four finish.
A win in the final fortnight of the home and away season will see Collingwood book in a second chance clash come September, a result only the bravest fans would've foreseen following their 17th-placed finish last year.
Their most recent win was arguably the toughest test McRae's side has faced in their dominant run, overcoming the reigning premiers in yet another thriller.
De Goey was a key piece in the triumph, collecting 25 disposals, 9 clearances, 5 inside 50s and a goal to help steer his side into level points with Geelong at the summit of the ladder.
Speaking after the match, McRae echoed his desire to see De Goey recommit to the club, stating his performance was a prime "example" of what service he adds to the magpies fleet.
"He's a free agent. That's his right to explore his options," McRae said.
"I speak authentically – I'd love Jordy to stay. I'm aware that's going to create a headline but we live in the moment and let Jordy keep being himself around our environment and make us better.
"Nights like tonight are a good example of his assets. It makes us better."
De Goey is understood to have put contract talks on hold until after the season, with rival clubs in Geelong and St Kilda interested in the 26-year-old's services.
The energetic midfield-forward shapes as a critical piece in Collingwood's planning for the future, with the club already managing to lock away several other key players to new deals so far this year.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy, despite being contacted until 2027, has also had his name linked to the exit at Olympic Park.
A knee injury that sidelined Grundy from Round 6 saw second-string tall Darcy Cameron rise to the occasion, perhaps surpassing Grundy in McRae's pecking order.
The move has sparked intrigue into Grundy's situation at Collingwood, with GWS and Port Adelaide linked in trade rumours with the two-time Copeland Trophy winner.
Grundy has been unable to return to the AFL stage since his setback, coming back through the VFL last week before suffering a further ailment with an ankle issue.
According to News Corp, a bone stress injury in his ankle could see the star ruckman further sidelined in the coming weeks.
With the issue potentially worse than first feared, Grundy could remain out of the selection frame for Collingwood's trip to Sydney next week, and might miss his side's Round 23 matchup with arch-rivals Carlton.
