Collingwood’s decision to offer Daniel McStay an incredibly lucrative deal to join the club via free agency has already paid dividends elsewhere.
McStay joined Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent from the Brisbane Lions on Tuesday, signing a five-year deal believed to be worth around $600,000 per season.
It resulted in the Lions receiving pick No.35 as compensation and gives the Pies a 27-year-old, key position player who could help bolster the side’s key posts.
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While McStay’s form on surface level would not warrant such a significant deal – he is yet to kick 30 goals in a season – Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph explained to Fox Footy’s Trading Day why the move was actually of benefit to the Pies.
“Collingwood would say to all the critics out there, ‘Would you prefer us to pay him $450,000 and give up a second-round pick?’ You get a free agency premium,” he explained.
“That second-round pick they’ve been able to save, they’ve given it off to Bobby Hill.
“We’re in a new age now where salary cap room is important, but getting players through free agency allows you to do the things they’ve already done in brining in Bobby Hill.”
Hill on Monday was traded from Greater Western Sydney to Collingwood, with the Pies’ future second-round selection at the core of the deal.
The 22-year-old could prove a handy addition to the side’s forward mix, while former St Kilda and North Melbourne star Nick Dal Santo said McStay’s acquisition was a sound one.
“I think that’s a really good move. The salary of $600,000 isn’t what it used to be,” He said.
“We’ve got quickly accept that $600,000 is about average (for a player like McStay) if you’re going to change clubs.
“I think that’s about right for not the best player in the comp, not the worst, you’ve got to pay the number.”
McStay played 161 matches for Brisbane, kicking 138 goals.
