Is McCarthy worth more than a rookie wage at the moment? He has done little to fill me will hope that he will become a star. Collingwood are the most capable identifers and developers of talent in the country yet they delisted him. He may be a servicable depth player but paying him overs in fear of losing his to another club may be a little premature. $200 grand is still under the average but I would not feel comfortable if his asking price started pushing into the 'good' player range when he has not earned it to date. 
Stripes you are making the assumption he was de-listed because of talent or lack there of. Not sure this exactly the case here
Every team had to cut 3 players at a minimum, some had to cut more because salary cap pressures.
Pies were one of those teams. Only reason Mcaffer got another contract is because Davis got the sulks up because he wanted more $$$ and walked. The Pies always said that either McCarthy or Mccaffer had to go they could keep both so I am not sure it's all about talent in this case
Also if he puts an price on his head all he is really doing is setting the terms to ensure he gets to the club of his choice. If say he says 2 year deal for $320k in total he can then he can say year one he wants $210k and in year 2 he takes $110k - still paying below the odds but keeps Port away
