Dan McStay has officially signed with Collingwood as a free agent.
McStay will join the Pies to help bolster their forward line, assisting Brody Mihocek and Ash Johnson, while Brisbane will receive pick 35 as compensation.
We're excited to welcome Dan McStay to the Collingwood family! pic.twitter.com/rjvgL6a69p
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) October 4, 2022
The 27-year-old has long been linked to the AIA Centre, as his desire to return to his home state of Victoria with his partner has been at the forefront of his mind.
MORE: All your AFL trade news and player movements
McStay was appreciative of his time at the Lions but felt the move to Collingwood best suited his future.
“I thank the Brisbane Lions for the past nine years – for those who have nurtured me during my early years and moulded me into the footballer I am today,” McStay said.
“Melbourne is my home, but Brisbane will always hold a special place in my heart.
"Together, my partner and I, decided to move back home to Melbourne and I am so pleased to come to an agreement with Collingwood. It is where I want to be for the remainder of my football career.
“I wish the Lions every success and will be watching with a keen eye.”
McStay joins the Pies after playing 138 games and slotting 161 goals for the Lions as a versatile forward who can play in the ruck.
List boss Graham Wright also spoke to his excitement of securing the key tall and is excited by the prospect that he can play in a variety of positions.
“We identified we needed more key position support, and Daniel’s attributes suit the way Craig and our coaching group want to play,” Wright said.
“He has the ability to play at both ends of the ground and he has been a more than adequate second ruck this year.
“We’re very happy to have Daniel on board. We welcome him and his family to the club.”
McStay's signing comes as the club recently secured GWS small forward Bobby Hill on Monday.
The club is also heavily linked to Gold Coast's Brayden Fiorini, Adelaide's Billy Frampton and Hawthorn's Tom Mitchell in what should be a busy trade period for the Pies.
Oliver Henry seemingly is on the way out as a desire to unite with his brother at Geelong looks enough to cause a trade.
