Richmond is reportedly set to offer Collingwood’s Darcy Moore an attractive deal to join the club, as the reigning premiers eye a long term replacement for retired defender Alex Rance.

Tom Browne reported on Tuesday morning that despite Moore – who’s out of contract at the end of this season – and the Magpies holding “good ongoing discussions” the Tigers were preparing to pounce on the 24-year-old.

Moore’s manager Liam Pickering weighed into the situation, telling SEN Collingwood “still had a bit of work to do” to ensure Moore remained at the Holden Centre

Watch every match of the 2020 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Round 18

“We caught up again the other week, but we’ve still got a bit of work do,” Pickering said.

“We’re negotiating, which means it’s no way near over the line.”



(1/2) Richmond’s main target to replace Alex Rance is out of contract pies star defender Darcy Moore. There are good ongoing discussions at Collingwood. Where Moore is still likely to stay. — Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) February 17, 2020

(2/2) my understanding is the Tigers have or will make a substantial indicative offer as part of negotiations. — Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) February 17, 2020

Moore’s Richmond link was put to Pies president Eddie McGuire on Tuesday morning.

With tongue firmly in cheek, McGuire told Triple M’s Hot Breakfast: “That'd go down well. When his father (Peter Moore) went to Melbourne, that went down a treat. ‘Darce’ going to Richmond – that’d be just really good, wouldn't it?

“The last time they started poaching from Collingwood, we put them in the bin for 30 years.”

When co-host Luke Darcy suggested McGuire hadn’t taken Browne’s report well, McGuire said: “Wait if it ever comes true — don't worry about that. The blood will be flowing down Punt Road and Hoddle St again, mate.”

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire had a cheeky dig at the Tigers. Picture: Julian Smith Source: AAP

Rance – a five-time All-Australian – abruptly retired at the end of last year.

While the Tigers have kept him on their list in case he backflips on his decision, the club also reached a settlement with Rance, freeing up $1.4 million in their salary cap for 2020 and 20201.

Moore, who has shone since being shifted into defence, shapes as an ideal replacement for Rance.

But when asked if he’d spoken to Richmond about Moore’s potential move to Punt Road, Pickering replied: “No, I haven’t.”

Collingwood has delicately negotiated contracts with a host of its stars, with Brodie Grundy signing a seven-year deal, while skipper Scott Pendlebury took a pay cut when he inked a one-year extension.

Moore and Jordan De Goey both remain out of contract.