One of Collingwood’s biggest stars has reached a contract “stalemate” and is “seriously considering” a move to a rival club.
Plus, why the Dons are still hopeful of retaining a gun of their own.
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PIES STAR’S CONTRACT ‘STALEMATE’ REACHES BOILING POINT
The West Coast Eagles are “right in the mix” to land Collingwood ruckman Darcy Cameron as Cameron’s contract negotiations with the Pies reach a “stalemate”.
Cameron is among a group of veteran Pies to become frustrated with the deals the club has put to them, despite sustained success in 2025, according to AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge.
It comes as the club’s pursuit of Carlton swingman Jack Silvagni ramps up as Craig McRae looks to add even more pieces to the premiership puzzle.
Cameron’s situation, according to Beveridge, stems from a financial point of view. It is widely believed Collingwood are underpaying Cameron given his output this year, which has him in the conversation for the All-Australian squad.
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“Darcy Cameron, his talks are still at a stalemate; he wants an extension,” Beveridge said on AFL Media’s Gettable.
“He’s been one of the most underpaid players in the comp for the best part of two to three yers, but Collingwood hasn’t come to the table there.
“I think now, particularly with Darcy Cameron, West Coast is right in the mix for Darcy Cameron and I think that’s a real possibility over the last couple of weeks.
“He’s seriously considering the prospect of joining the Eagles and asking for a trade to the Eagles at the end of 2025. I think that’s become a genuine possibility now.”
Cameron remains contracted to the Pies for 2026, but has been playing on unders for quite some time.
He’s arguably put together a career-best season in 2025 too, where he has averaged 18.2 disposals, 5.2 marks and 4.4 clearances throughout 19 games.
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WHY DONS ARE STILL ‘HOPEFUL’ AS BIG DECISION LOOMS
Sam Draper’s football future remains a point of conjecture heading into the final month of the 2025 home and away season, but coach Brad Scott has played down rumours his star ruck could be heading to Brisbane.
The Lions have become favourites to land Draper – and Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen – as they look to further enhance their premiership credentials heading into next year.
The 26-year-old can move to Brisbane as an unrestricted free agent, meaning that Essendon cannot stop a switch if Draper wants to move. Having said that, he’s yet to provide any indication to Scott either way.
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“That’s news to me, and I’d like to think that I would know before most,” Scott told reporters this week.
“We’re in constant dialogue. I’ve been really clear all year about supporting ‘Drapes’ in terms of his decision-making process.
“He’s got a big call to make. He loves Essendon and loves the opportunity he got here.”
When asked whether he was becoming more concerned that Draper might depart, Scott reaffirmed that the club will allow Draper all the time he needs to make his decision.
“Well any player who’s out of contract coming into August, there’d always be a question mark,” he said.
“But we won’t be putting undue pressure on ‘Drapes’. He’ll take as long as he needs to make his call.
“He’s a much-loved member of our club and personally I’d love him to stay, and he knows that.”
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