The 24-year-old made his AFL debut over the weekend.
Rival clubs are said to be showing interest in recent Collingwood debutant Joe Richards, who is currently without a contract for 2025.
The 24-year-old is likely to hold his place in McRae’s side given McCreery’s continued absence and the revelation of Elliott’s minor vascular issue.
But the longer-term prospects for Richards are said to be piquing the interest of other clubs, according to News Corp.
His contract status, promise and position at Collingwood could combine to see rival press their case to pry Richards from Olympic Park this season.
With sides prioritising speed in their list builds, Richards could be highly sought-after should he remain without a deal for 2025 and continue to prove his worth at the top level.
The quartet of McCreery, Elliott, Schultz and Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill will likely hold preference to the Magpies, while youngster Harvey Harrison is beginning to bloom in his third season in the black and white.
Richards joined Collingwood via the 2022 National Draft as the 48th overall pick, taken out of the Ovens and Murray League as a promising mature-aged prospect.
The speedy half-forward played 14 games in the VFL last year in what was an injury-interrupted debut season in the system, with Richards managing 13 goals in his first six games at the state league level in 2024.
He’ll likely get another look in the topflight this weekend when Collingwood host Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday, with fellow over-age addition Lachie Sullivan another Magpie who has thrived with their first chance in the AFL.
Richards is among a long list of Magpies players without deals for 2025, with senior figures Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe among those uncontracted.
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