The clock is ticking as Collingwood seek to recruit Adam Treloar, James Aish and Jeremy Howe in the final four days of AFL trade period.
For the second year in a row the Magpies have been one of the most active parties in the annual haggle-fest.
In 2014 it related to protracted negotiations over Dayne Beams, who successfully left the club and joined Brisbane despite having a year to run on his contract.
This time Collingwood's pursuit of Greater Western Sydney midfielder Treloar, Brisbane's James Aish and Melbourne high flyer Jeremy Howe has made headlines.
Multiple media outlets reported on the weekend that Treloar underwent end-of-season groin surgery without informing the Giants, angering the fledgling club.
However, the Magpies and Giants are expected to agree terms soon regarding Treloar.
The `Pies are widely tipped to offload their 2015 and 2016 first-round picks in exchange for the talented 22-year-old and a draft selection.
The clubs have until 2pm on Thursday to broker the deal.
Collingwood are also trying to coax the Lions into loosening their grip on wantaway young gun Aish.
As was the case with Beams, terse words were swapped between the two clubs when trade period opened.
Recent discussions have been more productive.
Aish remains steadfast in his desire to join Collingwood despite late interest from North Melbourne.
The Lions are understandably keen to sign an AFL-ready player, Aish's exit following the departures of ruckman Matthew Leuenberger and on-baller Jack Redden last week.
North's Ryan Bastinac, Richmond defender David Astbury and Geelong forward Josh Walker all visited the Gabba on Friday.
Carlton's Tom Bell is also on the wishlist of the Lions, who are expected to on-trade Collingwood's second-round selection in a three-club deal involving Aish.
Essendon's Jake Carlisle is another high-profile player in the middle of this week's muddle, St Kilda and Hawthorn both wanting to recruit the in-demand defender.
Howe and Jimmy Toumpas both want out of Melbourne, while Port Adelaide and Gold Coast are still wrangling over Charlie Dixon's value.
Meanwhile, the league's free agency period finished on Sunday.
Dual premiership player Matt Suckling, West Coast's Scott Selwood and ruckmen Dawson Simpson and Matthew Leuenberger were the free agents that switched clubs this year.
Share
