GWS's Leek Aleer is still up for grabs after St Kilda withdrew its interest despite being close to a certainty to lure him to Moorabbin.
The Saints have been chasing Aleer for the better part of two years, and given his out-of-contract status, were poised to add him to their list.
However, it is understood that St Kilda and the Giants couldn't settle on a deal, and after the Saints successfully landed Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders and Liam Ryan, there wasn't a heap to work with.
GWS is more than happy to welcome back Aleer on a three-year deal, according to Tom Morris, but has already announced the signing of Essendon's Jayden Laverde as a rookie, which adds further intrigue around the 24-year-old's future.
So which clubs should have a crack at him?
2Collingwood
No surprise that the Pies find themselves on this list, although Justin Leppitsch has indicated that the club is after established midfielders.
The heavy reliance on Darcy Moore and Billy Frampton was tested at times throughout 2025, while Jeremy Howe and Brayden Maynard often found themselves playing taller.
Aleer would be the obvious replacement for Howe once he retires, but also help lock down a key defensive post for the future.
However, the difficulty would be how Collingwood gets a deal done, as well as what they offer Aleer, given the obvious salary cap pressures in 2026.
The Pies' first Pick this year is 39, but they do have a litany of selections in 2026 and 2027 they can tap into.
