The manager of off-contract Collingwood midfielder Lachie Sullivan has admitted his client has been left "in limbo" heading into the trade and free agency window, which opens on Friday.
Sullivan joined the Magpies on a one-year deal after joining the club via the pre-season's Supplemental Selection Period, with the mature-aged recruit playing 10 games in his maiden season in black and white.
The 27-year-old earned an AFL chance at Olympic Park after a dominant few seasons in the VFL with Footscray, where he won successive best and fairests and VFL Team of the Year selections. Sullivan would also amass a third-placed finish for the J.J. Liston Trophy in 2023 after averaging 30.9 disposals, 7.6 clearances and 5.9 tackles per game as a bonafide ball winner at the state league level.
Following a training block with Collingwood over summer, Sullivan was joined by ex-Saint Jack Bytel and former Essendon swingman Joshua Eyre in earning a spot on the Magpies' list, with all three players inking one-year deals.
With no extension signed by Sullivan, the Collingwood recruit has been left to wait throughout the trade period, which will conclude on Wednesday, October 16.
"Yeah, he is unfortunately (in a holding pattern)," Sullivan's manager James Pitcher told Trade Radio.
"That's the worst position to be in this time of the year. Sometimes it is just easier to know that you have been delisted and you can go into that market.
"He is in limbo a little bit. The conversations with the Magpies have been really positive. I'd like to think, coming in as an SSP (addition), playing 10 games and seeing his growth, (Collingwood could) give him another opportunity and see what he can do.
"I'd like to think he can be there in 2025."
Sullivan's placing in Collingwood's midfield pecking order could be pushed back further for next season with the anticipated arrival of GWS utility Harry Perryman.
Perryman is set to join the Magpies via free agency over the next week, with the 25-year-old seeking a larger midfield role at a new club.
The departing Giant can also slot into a role at half-back, which might open as defender John Noble seeks a trade to Queensland.
The Magpies also have youngster Ed Allan knocking on the door for more midfield minutes ahead of the 2025 season, while Finlay Macrae will be listed with the club next year and is also keen to take the next step in his fledgling career.