Collingwood is in the box seat to secure Greater Western Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams once the future of restricted free agent Dale Thomas and in-demand defender Heath Shaw is decided.

The Magpies will be in a position to start negotiations with Greater Western Sydney once it has clarity about what it might get in return for Thomas, and where Shaw wants to continue his career.

Adams has met with several clubs and was keenly sought after but AFL Media understands he has decided to carve out his career at Collingwood.

Both Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney remain tight-lipped about the intentions of the 20-year-old midfielder who has played 31 games for the Giants and attracted interest from several Victorian clubs, including his hometown Geelong.

The Magpies will soon however be in a position to make the Giants a good offer.

Although Collingwood is yet to confirm it will not match Carlton's offer for Thomas, it is not expected to do so.

The Magpies are likely to receive a first-round compensation pick for Thomas, 26, who played 157 games for Collingwood, including the 2010 premiership.

That would give Collingwood picks 10 and 11 in the 2013 AFL National Draft, which would be a better hand than any of the Victorian clubs competing for Adams' services.

If Heath Shaw accepted an offer from Greater Western Sydney, the arrangements for that trade could also be part of the negotiations.