Brody could fly the Pies

Mihocek no certainty to stay at Collingwood

COLLINGWOOD’S salary cap squeeze could force out Brody Mihocek, as rivals express their interest after a below-par contract offer to the Pies mature-age forward.

Mihocek has been one of the club’s best recruiting stories in recent years after being plucked from the VFL as a defender to transform into a reliable, selfless forward.

The 27-year-old has kicked 82 goals in his 54 matches with the Pies, including 29.18 in the 2018 season and 36.26 last season. This year despite being badly knocked out in a clash against Melbourne he has kicked 17 goals from 14 games in a team struggling to get the ball inside 50 with real fluency.

While he has shown no inclination to leave Collingwood their offer so far reflects an incredibly tight salary cap that could force him to consider his options.

Mihocek is in the unusual position of having to make every post a winner with the next contract given it could be his only chance to secure his financial future.

The former Werribee and Port Melbourne footballer worked in a logistics job at a timber business before being taken with the 22nd pick of 2018 rookie draft.

His manager Anthony McConville confirmed yesterday negotiations were underway but still far from completed.

“It has been slow going so we are still working with Collingwood and it might take a little time. Hopefully we will be able to get there, and if not we will see,” he said.

Mihocek has effectively had to play as Collingwood’s key forward this year given a revolving door of partners including Mason Cox, Darcy Cameron and Will Kelly, with Darcy Moore thrown forward at times.

Collingwood will likely sign Moore on a two-year contract with Jordan de Goey keen to resign with the club as his twoyear $1.5 million contract expires.

Josh Daicos also needs to re-sign after his breakout season, while the Pies will eventually come to a financial settlement with retired midfielder Dayne Beams.