The 'significant factor' behind Pies' 'late' poaching of GWS free agent ...
GWS free agent Harry Perryman will join Collingwood on a long-term deal as further details come to light on the Magpies’ late pursuit.
AFL Media’s Callum Twomey first reported on Tuesday morning the 25-year-old will join the club he supported as a child, after 129 games and eight seasons in the orange and charcoal.
The Giants later confirmed Perryman’s departure and formal nomination of Collingwood as his destination of choice.
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As an unrestricted free agent, Perryman will leave the Giants without any trade between the two clubs, with free agency opening for business on Friday.
“Giants defender Harry Perryman has informed the club of his decision to explore his options as an unrestricted free agent,” the club stated on Tuesday.
“The Riverina product played 129 games in the orange and charcoal across eight seasons.
“Perryman has selected Collingwood as his club of choice.”
Port Adelaide had hotly pursued the GWS Academy player for most of the year but has fallen short of acquiring his services — despite its lucrative offer.
According to Twomey, Perryman will put pen to paper on a six-year agreement.
“Harry Perryman has picked Collingwood and will go to them on a six-year deal — you have to pay that much for free agents,” he told Trade Radio on Tuesday.
“They will use him in the midfield; it adds another string to the Pies’ bow.
“Collingwood came late into this; the interest was sparked after John Noble said he wanted to go to Gold Coast.”
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Twomey revealed the “significant” aspect that ultimately swayed Perryman’s call.
“Being a Collingwood supporter has been a significant factor in this, unfortunately for Port Adelaide,” he said.
“He wore number 36 at the Giants due to his love of Dane Swan.”
Perryman is the second Giant set to depart the club this off-season, with Isaac Cumming indicating his desire to join Adelaide last week.
As for the Magpies, their other main business this player movement period will include sending Noble to Carrara.
They might also pursue a forward, having previously been linked to Essendon forward but more recently young Port Adelaide tall Ollie Lord.
