Daniel McSctay has stepped up to incredible heights so far in the 2022 season, acting as one of the spearheads behind the Lions' push for a top-four finish.
Across 146 games for Brisbane - where he has kicked 115 goals as a key forward - McStay has cemented himself as one of the key components of the Lions' forward line.
Originally from Victoria, McStay is putting up career nest numbers this season, averaging 1.4 goals per game alongside 12 disposals and an above-average 5.9 marks. At 26 years of age and standing tall at 195cm, McStay could be a very useful puck for a lot of clubs in need of a key forward.
However, with his contract expiring towards the end of the season, the tall forward may be weighing up his options. With plenty of Victorian-based clubs in need of a goalscoring boost, or with other players looking increasingly likely to move on, thereโs a good reason for McStay to head back home.
The Lions forward has already had his name heavily linked to a return south of the Tweed, prompting ongoing speculation around his future from 2023 and beyond.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Keeping this in mind, weโve listed FIVE potential landing spots for the key forward in the upcoming free agency period.
3. Collingwood
More of an interesting option, McStay could be a good fit for Collingwood despite them already having some solid forward options. Although they have players more than capable of kicking a few majors on their own, the addition of a tall like McStay may change the dynamic in their favour.
Brody Mihocek is a great goalkicker and holds his own quite well. However, heโs not exactly super big-bodied or tall. The addition of McStay to play alongside him as more of a key forward would provide another solid option for when the ball enters the forward line while allowing Mihocek to move around more freely and play to his strengths.
Mason Cox is facing an uncertain future this season. The magpies tall probably isn't good enough to keep Collingwood competing at the highest level. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Cox's days look limited.
Darcy Cameron is another tall option for the Pies, at 205cm he should be a force to be reckoned with, however his contract also ends this year. Picking up the more capable, and younger McStay for a free agent just makes sense.
Collingwood do have a few fringe players with some height that are yet to get a run, but they could look to McStay as a more reliable and consistent performer if they're aiming to keep up with the rest of the competition.
