Fringe Collingwood midfielder Caleb Poulter is "hellbent on being on a list" for 2023 despite sitting under a cloud of uncertainty as he awaits a call from Collingwood and interest from rival clubs for a new contract.
Poulter is currently unsigned for next season and is no certainty to remain on Collingwood's list beyond 2022, having managed just one appearance at AFL level this year.
The formidable pairing of Steele Sidebottom and Josh Daicos on the wings saw Poulter left with limited opportunities to feature in the top flight, instead resigned to playing in the VFL where the Magpies managed a finals finish.
The frustrating campaign came only a year after Poulter rapidly emerged as a key cog in Collingwood's system, playing 11 games, most of which came in the second half of the season.
But 12 months on, Poulter could see his tenure in the black and white concluded, with Collingwood set to bring in an array of names as part of their aggressive off-season plans.
Poulter has been left to wait on a decision from the club but remains hopeful of continuing his AFL career, whether that be as a Magpie or not.
"It's an interesting position for Poults to be in at the moment," Poulter's manager Tim McConville revealed onย Trade Radio.ย
"Obviously, it's not ideal to get to this stage of the year and not have a contract.
"Collingwood are doing a lot it seems, trying to bring a few people in and move a few things.
"(Poulter) is in that position where, I think, he probably found it a bit hard this year Sidebottom and Daicos and a few other top-notch wingmen at Collingwood.
"We're just waiting on that one. Our priority is to have him playing league footy next year, so whether that's at the Pies or wherever.
"He's hellbent on being on a list."
Adelaide have been linked to the Woodville-West Torrens product, with a potential return to South Australia seen as an option for the teenager.
But talks of the Crows' interest haven't lasted, with Poulter and McConville left to 'wait by the phone' as they continue to search for options.
"We've had a few conversations with a few people, it's probably nothing too concrete at this stage," McConville said. "There's a lot to play out.
"We're sort of waiting by the phone and seeing what comes of it."
However, as reported by AFL Media on Thursday evening, Gold Coast are said to be keen on the mulleted-mid, possibly via a trade involving Brayden Fiorini.
Collingwood have already secured the services Daniel McStay and Bobby Hill this week, with deals for Fiornini, Billy Frampton and potentially Tom Mitchell yet to come.
Along with Poulter, Trent Bianco,ย Oliver Henry,ย Will Hoskin-Elliott,ย Will Kelly,ย Jack Madgenย andย Tom Wilson remain unsigned for 2023, while Callum L. Brown,ย Tyler Brown, Isaac Chugg and Liam McMahon have been delisted.
Henry is expected to join Geelong in the next week, while Wilson is likely to remain on Collingwood's list after having his options as a Category B Rookie extended for 2023.
