Collingwood is the latest club to be linked to 2026 free agent and Brisbane Lions premiership player Zac Bailey.

Bailey looms as one of the biggest names to come off-contract next year, and will be eligible for free agency, likely under the restricted band.

The timing of Bailey’s contract season has the lively forward in line for a big payday, having claimed maiden All-Australian honours this year prior to helping lead the Lions to their second successive flag. 

Bailey kicked the second most goals for the premiers in 2025, with his 42 majors trailing only spearhead Logan Morris’ 53 goals. 

The Northern Territory product also averaged 20 disposals per game this year, reaching that mark for the first time in his career, as well as managing 3.31 inside 50s and 4.73 marks each outing. 

With Bailey currently set to enter the new year without a contract for 2027 and beyond, Collingwood have been revealed as one rival keen on the 26-year-old. 

According to 7 News reporter Xander McGuire, the Magpies have approached Bailey’s camp, with the Lions star also receiving interest from Essendon, Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

Collingwood has approached Zac Bailey about a future in black and white.

The Pies aren’t alone – with Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Essendon also registering interest in the 26 year old Lion… who will be one of the hottest free agents of 2026. @7AFL @7NewsMelbourne

— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) November 10, 2025

Essendon have been linked to Bailey in recent months, while the two South Australian clubs could be of interest to the forward-midfield hybrid, who spent time with Norwood prior to being drafted by Brisbane in 2017.

Bailey has played 166 games for the Queensland club, playing at least 22 matches in each of the past five seasons, to boot 185 career goals.

He joins Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko, Noah Answerth, Darcy Gardiner and Bruce Reville, among others, in being off-contract at Brisbane in 2026.Â