Collingwood land Perryman but miss out on football boss target

Collingwood have missed out on landing Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies as the hunt to replace Graham Wright continues, but they have secured GWS free agent Harry Perryman on a six-year deal.

The 25-year-old Perryman informed his former club of his decision on Tuesday.

Harry Perryman has chosen to accept a six-year offer from Collingwood.Credit: Getty Images

Perryman’s call is a win for the Magpies, who are still on the hunt for a football manager to replace Wright after Davies decided to remain in Adelaide, according to two industry sources with knowledge of Davies’ decision.

Collingwood president Jeff Browne and football director Paul Licuria are leading the search for a replacement for Wright, who chose to pursue other opportunities following a sabbatical overseas. Wright is a huge loss for the Magpies, who also chased the Brisbane Lions’ football manager Danny Daly. Daly will remain with the premiership team.

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Perryman attracted interest from Port Adelaide, Adelaide and Hawthorn throughout the year, but the Magpies made a significant offer that turned his head late in the season.

He spent the weekend weighing up his offers before deciding to join the club his family has long supported. He is expected to play a range of roles at Collingwood including in the midfield as well as defence after showing his talent as a reliable defender in 129 matches for the Giants.

Perryman was a major attraction for several clubs as he is an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can move to his club of choice without being traded. He would likely command compensation at the end of the first round for the Giants due to the length and potential size of his contract.

From the Riverina, Perryman is one of several Giants considering their future, with Isaac Cumming joining Adelaide as an unrestricted free agent.

The Giants remain hopeful of retaining in-demand midfielder James Peatling, who has several clubs including Melbourne, St Kilda, Collingwood and Adelaide interested, while Conor Stone may also remain as opportunities to play AFL open up.

Midfielder Xavier O’Halloran has attracted interest from the Western Bulldogs and swingman Wade Derksen wants to join Melbourne but the Giants say they are contracted and won’t be traded.

More to come

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