All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy is closing on his wish of a seven-year AFL deal at Collingwood.
While no announcement appears imminent, talks are going well and the sense is that is a matter of when and not if a new contract is signed.
Grundy and his management have made it clear they want a seven-year deal, with Collingwood initially wanting to sign him on a shorter contract.
One of the AFL's best players becomes eligible for restricted free agency at the end of next season.
But a flurry of media reports on Tuesday made it clear that Grundy should soon be locked in with the Magpies.
Grundy, 25, has played 132 games at Collingwood since his 2013 debut.
A seven-year deal would effectively confirm him as a one-club player.
Along with his second-straight All-Australian selection, this time as the starting ruckman, Grundy was sixth in the Brownlow Medal and won his second club best and fairest award.
Grundy is overseas on holiday and will return early next month.
Negotiations are well advanced between Collingwood and Grundy's management.
There had been growing speculation that the SA-born star might consider a move back home if no deal could be reached with the Magpies.
Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury and fellow key players Jordan de Goey and Darcy Moore also come out of contract at the end of next season.
Negotiations between the club and Grundy at the start of the year were put on hold.
While Grundy has said consistently he loves Collingwood and wants to stay, he added considerations such as family also affected his thinking on where he wants to play for the next few years.
Stephen Coniglio gave GWS a massive boost on the eve of the finals when he turned his back on free agency and signed a seven-year deal.
Tom Lynch also joined Richmond last year from Gold Coast on a seven-year contract.
Australian Associated Press
