Highly sought-after defender Harry Perryman will reportedly depart GWS to join Collingwood next season as an unrestricted free agent.
According to AFL.com.au journalist Callum Twomey, Perryman is set to sign a six-year deal with the Magpies — his boyhood club.
Perryman played through the midfield during his eight seasons in orange, though recently, his reliability and versatility down back have stood out.
READ MORE: Broncos confirm Madge signing after quitting Blues
READ MORE: Storm star’s ban prompts grim Gus prediction
READ MORE: ‘One of the greatest’ in NBA history dies of brain cancer
The 25-year-old declined interest from Port Adelaide and Hawthorn to land on Collingwood, who entered the race late.
The loss of Perryman’s signature will come as a particular blow to the Power who had been in talks with the Riverina local since 2020 and had also offered a long-term deal.
As an unrestricted free agent, Perryman can join the 2023 premiers without a trade needing to be struck between the two clubs.
“Harry Perryman has picked Collingwood, so he will be playing for Collingwood in 2025 and beyond on what we believe is a six-year deal,” Twomey told AFL Trade Radio.
“Port Adelaide has had all the running on this one for the best part of the season, but this Port Adelaide chase has actually gone longer than that, this dates back to 2020.
“In the end though, his boyhood love of Collingwood has won out and he’ll play for the Pies, that’s the team that he grew up barracking for.
“He’s spoken about this in previous interviews across his time as a Giant, how he grew up barracking for the Magpies and loving Dane Swan, that’s why he wore number 36 at the Giants.”
Twomey also reported the Giants had tabled a six-year contract to try and keep Perryman at the club.
“As well as the offers to go, there was the offer to stay as well, which was a six-year deal and a pretty strong first five years within that,” Twomey said.
Perryman’s decision is set to have major ramifications for other players looking for a new club during the upcoming trade period. This includes Dan Houston’s prospects of leaving Port Adelaide to return to Victoria.
Perryman is the second free agent at the Giants to announce their departure this off-season after Isaac Cumming last week nominated the Crows.
GWS will receive draft-pick compensation for the exits of both players.
Since debuting for the Giants in 2017, Perryman has gone on to play 129 senior games.
This season, Perryman featured in 21 games where he averaged 18 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s a game.
