'Be careful': Matthew Lloyd's advice for Collingwood after forward rejects contract offer
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd has urged Collingwood to "look after (their) own", following reports that key forward Brody Mihocek has rejected a one-year contract offer from the club.
The 32-year-old has kicked 263 goals across 153 games for the Magpies and has been one of the great rookie draft finds of the last decade.
Lloyd believes it's on the Pies to do what it takes to keep Mihocek, before making bigger trade period splashes.
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Brody Mihocek of the Magpies celebrates a goal. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Magpies have been linked to Carlton defender Jack Silvagni, reportedly offering him a four-year deal. They also handed GWS defender Harry Perryman a six-year deal in last year's trade period.
Lloyd believes they should do right by the club "stalwart".
"Collingwood has to be careful. They do a lot right, but you've got to look after your own," Lloyd told 3AW.
"Offering a one-year contract to a stalwart like him when in the same breath they're trying to bring in Jack Silvagni on a four-year deal, I know they're different age demographics.
"But what Mihocek has done for Collingwood, he wouldn't cost you a lot of money, but you give him two years to make him feel like he's worthy.
"The last thing you'd want is to lose Mihocek. If I was a Pies fan, I'd nearly rip the doors down as much as Carlton fans will if Silvagni leaves, if Mihocek was to leave.
"They've got to be careful to look after the guys who do the job for them."
Collingwood has quite a few contract calls to make on veteran players, though most appear to be sticking around.
The likes of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe, Tom Mitchell, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Mason Cox, Jamie Elliott and Mihocek are all in their 30s and out of contract.
