Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz could very well find himself moving back to Victoria as the trade period nears its conclusion.
The 25-year-old surprised the footy world when his request for a move to Collingwood became public on Monday evening.
Schultz, who hit a contract trigger for 2024 earlier this season, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of next year given he has previously been cut and re-listed as a rookie by the Dockers. Despite his request, Fremantle has the ability to hold the 25-year-old to the final year of his deal.
It is understood the pull of returning home is a factor in Schultz exploring a move and making his request known to Fremantle. However, the reasons for his potential departure could go further than just family reasons.
Speaking on the BackChat Podcast earlier this year, Schultz explained his complex contract situation that was altered by the 2020 COVID-19 list rules. He played from 2019-2022 with a contract expiring at the end of each season.
RELATED: WHAT THE ARRIVAL OF LACHIE SCHULTZ WILL MEAN FOR OTHER MAGPIES
“I played every game that year so I was like, ‘surely I'll get a contract',” he told the Backchat Podcast about the conclusion of the 2020 season.
“At first I was pissed off (to be delisted and put back on the rookie list), like this is so unfair. How could you do this? I've played every game. It's just a bit disrespectful.”
Schultz said the contract fallout almost saw him walk to Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2021.
“Hawks came pretty hard. To be honest, I actually got pretty close to looking at getting away just because of the s**t that happened,” he said.
“A bit of bad blood almost. I was still a bit pissed off.”
Schultz did suggest that his immaturity at the time could've been responsible for his feelings and not an accurate reflection on the football club.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, the Magpies have proposed a five-year deal to Schultz, with the final year of the contract under a player option.
If Collingwood were to offer Schultz a long-term contract extension after the trade, the Victorian would be more likely to be inclined given his previous contract experiences.
Collingwood and Fremantle will have until 7:30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, October 18 to negotiate a potential trade.
