Collingwood have conceded defeat in their pursuit of star free agent Ben King, with the Coleman Medal leader poised to remain with the Gold Coast Suns. 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed that the Magpies have shifted their focus to alternative targets after sensing King is on the verge of re-signing.
King Set to Commit to Suns
The 25-year-old key forward, who qualifies as a restricted free agent, has attracted interest from several Victorian clubs. However, Gold Coast are quietly confident he will put pen to paper on a fresh two-year contract. King has been in outstanding form this season, booting 32 goals to sit atop the league's goalkicking leaderboard, following a career-best 71 goals in 2024.
Collingwood's Forward Line Woes
Collingwood's forward line has been identified as their biggest weakness following the departure of reliable veteran Brody Mihocek. Daniel McStay has managed 16 goals this season, while Tim Membrey and Jack Buller are the other key targets. The Pies are now expected to intensify their search for a key forward, with Hawthorn's Mitch Lewis and Gold Coast youngster Jed Walter among those unsigned beyond this season.
Cleary reported: "The Pies have been among the clubs closely linked with the Coleman Medal leader but tonight are moving on and putting their energy into other targets. Like several other Victorian clubs, they sense King is on the verge of re-signing a new two-year deal with the Suns."
King's impending deal is a significant boost for the Suns as they push for their first premiership. The restricted free agent status means Gold Coast can match any offer and force a trade, similar to the Zak Butters situation. With King set to stay, Collingwood will now turn their attention to other options to bolster their attacking stocks.
