Chris Mayne will turn 29 in two months.

As a Collingwood player and in the first year of a four-year contract Mayne played only three games and kicked two goals this season.

As a Fremantle Docker he had fared much better.

Mayne kicked 172 goals in his 10 seasons.

Clearly the way he played struck a chord with the Magpies, one that caused them to come knocking.

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Yet over the weekend it was 'knocking' of a different nature that spilled out of Collingwood and into the press.

The club is reportedly keen to reach a settlement with Mayne in the hope of 'cutting' its losses.

Hardly a suggestion that should interest Mayne's manager Colin Young. Young remains steadfast, saying only that his client will honour the $2 million contract.

I'm no lawyer but I would say Mayne's position appears to be much stronger than most caught in such a bind.

Camera Icon Mayne was almost a match-winner for the Collingwood VFL side at the weekend. Credit: Getty Images

All of which has got me wondering. How closely are Fremantle following this little saga?

Is it possible that the Dockers could push for Collingwood to pay at least half of Chris Mayne's wage before agreeing to clear him back to his old club?

I don't know how things ended between Mayne and Fremantle but I reckon he could be a cheap and useful recruit.

I've always admired him and I'm not sure his current club have too many alternatives.