Fremantle has confirmed that contracted forward Lachie Schultz is exploring interest from Collingwood, despite having triggered an extension just four months ago.
The Dockers confirmed in June that Schultz had automatically extended his deal with the club by appearing in Fremantle's Round 13 clash with Richmond, meeting a games trigger in his contract.
Fremantle had also flagged a desire to potentially extend the small forward beyond his ties to the end of 2024, with Schultz having been of interest to clubs from Victoria in the past.
Despite being signed for the next 12 months due to the recent trigger, Schultz is understood to be weighing up interest from Collingwood.
Fremantle confirmed Schultz's trade exploration via X late Monday afternoon.
"Lachie Schultz has today enquired about the possibility of returning to Victoria for family reasons," stated the Dockers.
"Lachie is a required player who still has a year to run on his contract."
The shock revelation was initially reported by 7 News reporter Mitch Cleary, with SEN's Sam Edmund adding that Schultz had requested a move to Collingwood.
The Magpies, who secured their record-equalling 16th premiership over a week ago, would significantly add to their already-potent forward third with a move for the former Williamstown forward.
Schultz has booted 85 goals over the past three seasons as Fremantle's leading small forward target.
Collingwood is already home to attacking trio Bobby Hill, Jamie Elliott, Beau McCreery and Jack Ginnivan, with the former claiming the 2023 Norm Smith Medal for his four-goal performance against Brisbane.
The Magpies currently hold picks 18, 37 and 78 for this year's draft and will likely add to their hand across the next week with the impending loss of Taylor Adams, who is seeking a move to Sydney.