Collingwood is on the cusp of landing one of the big fishes in this year’s trade period, with Dan Houston poised to land at the club in the coming days.

Multiple reports now suggest the Pies will go up a future first round pick in the complex deal, which will also see Joe Richards head to the Power and John Noble land on the Gold Coast.

Speaking as the details of the trade came to light, Matthew Lloyd said it was clear where the Pies’ strategy was as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Click PLAY to hear Matthew Lloyd and Sam McClure’s full thoughts on the deal 

“I heard Craig McRae say that he wants players (over picks),” he said on Wide World of Sports.

“There’s some coaches in the competition who feel getting kids (through the draft) just take too long…it takes years to develop.”