The dynamic Jordan De Goey is keen to remain a Pie, after a blazing start to his 2022 season.
As reported by AFL.com, De Goey's manager, Ryan Vague, is ready to start discussions with Collingwood as the 26-year-old approaches free agency.
De Goey is the pick of the free agent crop this year, in a list including Hawks James Sicily and Jack Gunston, and improved Power winger, Karl Amon.
After his career was seriously threatened by off-field misdemeanors, De Goey has become one of Collingwood's most integral players, sorely missed in its Round 4 loss to West Coast.
Now under the tutelage of first-year coach Craig McRae, De Goey averages career-high disposals, clearances, and rebound 50's, as his transition to a midfielder continues.
It is likely that rival clubs will once again circle for his signature, as North Melbourne famously did in 2018. Essendon, with reported cap space and a need to fix their struggling squad, is one Melbourne club that may come calling, as raised by club legend Tim Watson earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Bulldog mainstay Caleb Daniel is nearing a new deal that will take him off the free agency list.
Daniel has been nearing an extension for some time, with the proposed deal expected to take the diminutive half-back through to the end of 2026.
The 2020 All-Australian was a Melbourne second-half explosion away from being a two-time premiership player, having been a key feature in the Bulldogs' 2016 flag.
The Bulldogs will now eye the expiring contracts of Bailey Dale, Taylor Duryea, Toby McLean and Zaine Cordy as free agency approaches.
Daniel isn't the only half-back to attract talks from his club, with Sydney club champion Jake Lloyd opening talks with the Swans.
He would join Isaac Heeney as a would-be free agent opting to re-sign with the improving Sydney side, sitting fifth with an impressive 4-1 record.
A host of players with no contract beyond 2022 have opted to hold off talks, with a focus on football their preference.
Tiger Kane Lambert and Docker Alex Pearce have experienced rotten runs with injury and will look to string together AFL matches before beginning talks on their contract.
New Sun Levi Casboult meanwhile will wait until the end of the season to make a call on his future, after the 32-year-old has ably replaced the injured Ben King at the Gold Coast.