Docker’s tumultuous contract struggle and the Victorian club he was “pretty close” to joining are over.
The potentially Collingwood-bound forward was previously “a bit pissed off” with his status at Fremantle.
As the trade period comes to an end, Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz may find himself returning to Victoria.
On Monday evening, the 25-year-old startled the football world by requesting a transfer to Collingwood.
Schultz, who reached a contract trigger for 2024 earlier this season, will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of next year after being cut and re-listed by the Dockers as a rookie. Despite his request, Fremantle can keep the 25-year-old for the remaining year of his contract.
It is understood that the desire to return home played a role in Schultz considering a move and made his request known to Fremantle. However, his probable departure could be motivated by factors other than family.
Schultz discussed his complicated contract status on the BackChat Podcast earlier this year, which was impacted by the 2020 COVID-19 list regulations. He was with the team from 2019 to 2022, with his contract expiring at the end of each season.
“I played every game that year, so I was like,’surely I’ll get a contract,’” he said of the end of the 2020 season on the Backchat Podcast.
“At first, I was irritated (to be delisted and reinstated on the rookie list), because it seemed so unfair.” How did you do it? I’ve completed all of the games. It’s just a little impolite.”
Schultz said that the contract dispute nearly caused him to leave Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2021.
“The hawks came down hard. “To be honest, I was seriously considering fleeing because of the s**t that happened,” he admitted.
“Almost like rotten blood. “I was still a little irritated.”
Schultz did argue that his immaturity at the time was to blame for his feelings, which were not a true reflection of the football club.
According to AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey, the Magpies have offered Schultz a five-year contract with a player option for the final year.
Given his previous contract experiences, Schultz would be more likely to accept a long-term contract extension from Collingwood following the transfer.
Collingwood and Fremantle have until 7:30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, October 18 to reach an agreement.
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