Fremantle’s Simon Garlick has reportedly emerged as the “number one target” for Collingwood, according to Caroline Wilson.

The Dockers chief is doing a great job with the current league leaders, so much so that the Magpies are keen on acquiring his services for their CEO role.

Wilson reported last week that current Pies CEO Craig Kelly is negotiating his exit from the role, and it seems the club has identified a potential replacement.

“I can tell you that very much on the radar - predominantly on the radar - is Simon Garlick,” Wilson said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.

“This is going to be an intriguing end to the season. Simon Garlick is overseeing the premiership favourite at the moment, he has a coach (Justin Longmuir) there who is on an employment agreement and not on a long-term contract.

“He is being targeted, and I promise you, he is the number one target of the Collingwood Football Club.

“He’s in Melbourne this week, like most footy bosses are, for the Hall of Fame (on Tuesday night) and Neale Daniher’s State Funeral.

“There will be more talks. Collingwood are very keen to get their man.

“I’m not sure whether Simon Garlick is ready. I know he’s looked at big jobs at the AFL in the past, or has been approached for them. Whether he’s ready to leave Fremantle, you just wonder if they win a flag at Freo if that might change.

“So a changing of the guard, two big changes (potentially).”

Kane Cornes said it would be frustrating for Freo that a rival club is looking to lure one of their top dogs.

But Wilson insists the former Sydney and Western Bulldogs player is not seeking a shift.

"I’m not saying Simon Garlick has suggested Collingwood, I know he hasn’t,” Wilson added.

Cornes added: “David Walls has been a target as a list manager. I’m surprised that people aren’t coming after the coach.”

Before Craig Hutchison said: “Freo is a bigger club right now (than Collingwood).”

Wilson continued: “I think the Garlick family is well ensconced in Perth.

“I think they’ve got a very happy life there but it’s a tough job to knock back.”