Collingwood insists it will only trade Travis Cloke should a suitable deal be brokered but the Magpies will do their best to grant the premiership forward his wish.
Industry sources suggest a late second round or third-round draft selection shapes as the likely deal for Cloke, after he ended months of speculation on Tuesday and confirmed he wanted to quit the club.
Cloke has a season to run on his five-year contract although, as he has failed to meet clauses, his salary next year is expected to be slashed from about $800,000 to $400,000.
The average wage of an AFL player was $302,000 in 2015, with Cloke still regarded as deserving more than that.
In a frustrating season in which he was dropped three times, he managed 17 goals in 13 matches, continuing his slide in reputation as the league's premier power forward.
The Western Bulldogs head the list of clubs interested in the 2007 Pies best and fairest. North Melbourne and Richmond have also expressed interest, while a rebuilding Carlton is in need of a marking tall.
Cloke's father, David, would only say Travis had "enjoyed playing there", and would not comment on where he hoped his son would land.
He is likely to seek at least a two-year deal which, if incentives armet, could still have him pocket $1 million.
The Magpies said in a statement: "While Travis remains contracted to play for Collingwood in 2017, all at Collingwood respect Travis' right to explore his options and acknowledge his 12 years of exceptional senior service."
The Pies, however, reaffirmed he was contracted for next year and a fair deal would have to be negotiated.
Former captain Nick Maxwell said Cloke would likely move to the Bulldogs, where he was a good fit.
"[It'd] just be a fresh start for him, I think he showed some real glimpses (against Hawthorn) on Sunday," Maxwell said.
The changing nature of the league, with a greater demand on defensive running, has heightened the pressure on forwards who now must be prepared to run from end to end.
Cloke's strong build (106 kilograms) has been seen to have hampered him in this regard, while fellow veterans Nick Riewoldt (96kgs) and Drew Petrie (101kgs) were among those who had adjusted to the requirements.
Dual Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd recently said Cloke needed to shed weight.
"I think he needs to lose a lot of upper body weight. I reckon he could lose five kilos, and that would significantly change his ability to run," he said.
"That's what needs to change for him to be an effective player in the modern game."
Cloke's departure comes after a dozen years, having opted to join the Pies ahead of Richmond under the father-son rule.
He played in 246 games and booted 441 goals - the seventh most in club history. He was also sixth for most goals in finals in club history and enjoyed two All-Australian selections.
He was the last of three Cloke father-son recruits to join Collingwood, following Jason and Cameron.
A fit Cloke would add considerable depth to the Bulldogs forward line, for they will be without Jack Redpath (knee) for much of next season. He would initially work alongside Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd and Stewart Crameri, who will return within weeks from an anti-doping suspension.
Bulldogs defender Matt Suckling, who joined from Hawthorn in last year's trade period, said Cloke would have much to offer.
"Travis has obviously been a special player for a long time," Suckling said.
"I'm sure Trav can fit into most clubs and have an impact next year so we'll wait and see what the list managers decide."
- with Ronny Lerner
TRAVIS CLOKE AT COLLINGWOOD
Drafted: Father-son selection, 39th overall, at the 2004 AFL draft
AFL debut: Round five 2005 against Essendon in the Anzac Day blockbuster
Senior appearances: 246
Career goals: 441
Honours: Copeland Trophy (club best and fairest) winner 2007, premiership player 2010, Collingwood leading goal-kicker 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, All Australian 2011, 2013.
