Heath Shaw and Collingwood could part company with both parties agreeing to explore a suitable trade.

Shaw is contracted to the end of 2015 but, with the consent of the Magpies, will explore opportunities at opposition clubs as October's trade period approaches.

Fairfax Media reported on Tuesday that Shaw had not quit or been sacked by Collingwood, but had agreed he would leave if he could find a preferred new home and the Pies could reach a suitable trade with that club.

"Heath is a contracted player but he has reached a point in his career where he has to weigh up where he wants to play out his final years and he is looking at other options for where that might be," Collingwood football manager Rodney Eade said.

Shaw has battled discipline problems this year, having been suspended for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne in round seven.

In the Magpies' Elimination Final loss to Port Adelaide, Shaw gave away a free kick after a Power goal in the second quarter that gifted another goal to opponent Angus Monfries.

Shaw's manager Ben Niall said his client recognised he needed to change his on-field behaviours and felt it might be easier to so at a new club.

"We have met with Collingwood and discussed his future and we are absolutely open to a fresh start," Niall said.

"He has seen what his brother has done at Sydney and recognises the potential positive effect a fresh start can have on a career.

"He accepts the feedback he received from Collingwood and does not argue with it. He acknowledges that wherever he goes he accepts he has to change and he will work on his behaviour and discipline."

Shaw, 28 in November, has played 173 games since debuting for the Pies in 2005, including the 2010 premiership.

At his best, Shaw is one of the competition's elite rebounding defenders and is likely to be heavily courted by clubs looking to add run to their backlines.

Shaw's elder brother Rhyce left Collingwood after 94 games at the end of 2008 to join the Sydney Swans, where he has since played 99 more games, including last year's premiership.