Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard will seemingly choose between money and loyalty or a longer AFL lifespan when it comes to making a decision on his commitment to the Magpies.
The premiership hero is out of contract at the end of this season and has been linked to Arden Street on a lucrative deal worth close to $1 million per season.
That deal is set to be at least a five-year contract, which currently stands to be longer than what Collingwood would be willing to offer the 28-year-old.
Maynard would be a valuable asset to an improving North Melbourne side who are looking to strengthen their defensive stocks.
Kangaroos footy boss Todd Viney confirmed on Sunday that North Melbourne had interest in the defender.
"Defensively speaking, we need to get stronger and he's a player that could potentially help us in that area if he decided to ever leave," Viney told 3AW.
According to News Corp, the Magpies are willing to offer Maynard an even more lucrative deal salary-wise, but the contract's length is no greater than four years.
Collingwood are also currently "baulking" at the idea of offering a deal as long as North Melbourne have reportedly posed - at this stage.
A four-year deal would see Maynard play until he is close to 33 years old, and he could potentially earn another contract beyond that.
However, if Maynard wants to secure his longevity in the league, he may have to switch his allegiance. As a free agent, Collingwood are unable to match a North Melbourne deal if they wish, leaving the choice completely in Maynard's hands.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne will also be chasing the signature of midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke this season, in hopes of keeping the core star talents at the club for the foreseeable future as the Roos aim to rise out of a lengthy rebuild process.
