The arrival of sharpshooting small forward Lachie Schultz was said to be unlikely to impact the immediate future of Collingwood's Jack Ginnivan, but the small forward has reportedly requested a trade away from Olympic Park.
The maligned Magpie was seen as a key piece in the club's plans moving into 2024 as they prepare to defend their premiership, with Ginnivan and others facing further selection competition in Craig McRae's attacking third with the incoming Schultz.
Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill ended his first season in the black and white on a high with a four-goal haul against the Lions in the grand final, while Jamie Elliott and Beau McCreery will also be vying for starting spots come Round 1 next year.
Ginnivan was brought into the starting side for the season decider after serving as the sub throughout September, with his place in the pecking order and Collingwood's move for Schultz raising questions over a potential move this off-season.
The 20-year-old, who is under contract, wasn't a player Collingwood had placed on the trade table at any point this trade period, with football boss Graham Wright saying on Monday that he isn't fielding calls from potentially interested suitors.
Speaking onย Trade Radio,ย Wright said Ginnivan is a required player for 2024 and hasn't been linked to their player movement plans.
"I haven't taken any calls about that. We haven't sought to take calls either," Wright said when questioned on Ginnivan's future.
"From our perspective, it hasn't been an issue at all. We see Jack as a part of what we're doing. He's contracted next year.
"We haven't taken any calls at all."
According toย SEN'sย Sam Edmund, "multiple clubs" were of the belief that Collingwood are open to trading Ginnivan, with Hawthorn viewed as a club pushing for the young forward.
Edmund has suggested Ginnivan is expected to meet with the Hawks as early as Tuesday, with the Waverley club potentially looking to fill the void recently opened by Tyler Brockman's departure to West Coast.
Hawthorn currently hold Picks 4, 33, 44, 54 and 63 for this year's draft.
Hawthorn in the box seat to sign Jack Ginnivan on a multi-year deal. Sources said Ginnivan was meeting with the Hawks today after returning from a Bali break. https://t.co/52FSCfPjFz
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) October 17, 2023
"Multiple clubs say this afternoon that Collingwood is now open to trading Jack Ginnivan," Edmund toldย Trade Radioย on Tuesday.
"Multiple clubs that we've spoken to over the course of the last half an hour or so now say that it's been made clear to them that Collingwood would consider trading Jack Ginnivan, only obviously if the right offer presented itself."
A further report fromย The Herald Sunย has suggested that a trade request has been lodged by Ginnivan's management John Meesen, who is exploring interest from the Hawks.
It is expected that the Magpies will meet with Hawthorn to try and finalise a deal for Ginnivan prior to Wednesday's 7:30pm (AEDT) deadline.
The Magpies settled an agreement with Fremantle on Monday afternoon to sign Schultz on a four-year deal, with the Dockers receiving Pick 34 and Collingwood's 2024 first-round selection for the 25-year-old.
The trade was likely Collingwood's last piece of business before Wednesday's deadline, having already dealt midfielder Taylor Adams to Sydney last week.
While Wright wouldn't rule out a last-minute move, he admitted any further wheeling and dealing would be unlikely.
"You never say never... we're open-minded," he added.,
"We certainly don't have any other players per se that we're having a look at, but you never know.
"At this stage I'd say it'd be doubtful. That might be it for us."
Ginnvian is signed with the Magpies until the end of 2024.
Collingwood currently carry Picks 19, 39 and 80 into this year's count.
