COLLINGWOOD'S desire to recruit Greater Western Sydney midfielder Adam Treloar has made the Magpies an unlikely destination for out-of-contract Brisbane Lion James Aish.
 
The Magpies have been linked with Aish since mid-year but insiders have admitted the club's capacity to recruit the 19-year-old has become difficult with Treloar likely to command a first-round pick and a future draft pick that may be in the second round.
 
The situation could change with Nathan Freeman requesting a trade on Wednesday, with his likely destination St Kilda, and running defender Paul Seedsman potentially on the trade table, but the odds of a deal being possible for Aish to join the Magpies are lengthening.
 
Freeman's manager Paul Connors told SEN on Thursday morning the Magpies were not after Aish when explaining that midfield depth may have been a factor in Freeman's decision.
 
"Don't forget, Collingwood has got Treloar, they've got (Jack) Crisp, they've got (Levi) Greenwood, they're not even chasing Aish because they think they're probably OK in the position," he said.
 
Aish is yet to inform the Brisbane Lions of his intentions for 2016 and has been acting as though he may remain at the club, attending post-season functions and picking up his post-season training plan.
 
The club remains in the dark as to his intentions but are not overly hopeful he will stay given he is yet to re-sign.
 
Several list managers at clubs other than Collingwood have suggested to AFL.com.au that Aish's actions indicate he may be interested in joining one of the remaining finalists.
 
Carlton also expressed interest in the midfielder during the season with a club delegation reportedly meeting Aish.
 
The South Australian has played 32 games with the Lions since the club chose him with selection No.7 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.