Craig McRae’s coaching panel is set to stay together.
COLLINGWOOD is set to retain the coaching panel that landed the club a record equalling 16th premiership last month, with Scott Selwood the latest assistant coach to knock back a rival offer and recommit to the club under Craig McRae’s leadership.
Brisbane made a compelling pitch to the Magpies’ midfield coach to relocate to Queensland and join Chris Fagan’s coaching panel, but Selwood opted to fulfil his contract at the AIA Centre and help Collingwood attempt to go back-to-back in 2024.
The former West Coast and Geelong midfielder is still just 33 but has made an impressive transition into coaching across his first four seasons at the Magpies and is highly rated in the industry.
Selwood’s decision to stay comes just a week after Justin Leppitsch chose not to accept a director of coaching offer from the Western Bulldogs after the club made a compelling pitch for the former Brisbane Lions senior coach to move to the Whitten Oval.
Collingwood’s head of coaching Brendon Bolton and forwards coach Hayden Skipworth are also understood to have attracted interest from clubs on the back of a successful season that culminated in last month’s thrilling Grand Final win over Brisbane, but both are expected to stay.
Leppitsch, who has now been involved in four flags as an assistant coach after playing in three during his decorated career at the Lions, is understood to have been promoted from head of strategy and forwards coach to a director of football performance role at the Pies.
Bolton will also have an expanded role when the Magpies report back for pre-season training in December with the former Carlton senior coach to spend a day each week working with the administration to better connect each department after proving his value to the football department since joining the club at the end of 2021.
Development coach Neville Jetta also signed a new contract recently and will remain at the club in 2024. Collingwood won’t announce its coaching panel until closer to the start of pre-season.
Brisbane has already started making enquiries to fill the vacancy they hoped would be filled by Selwood following the departure of Jed Adcock to North Melbourne.
Strategy coach Mark Stone also departed the Lions’ football department at the completion of the season. The club is expected to add just one assistant coach rather than two at this stage.
Development coach Dale Morris is understood to have made an impressive start to his time at Brisbane after arriving last year and could be promoted to backline coach following Adcock’s move to Arden Street.
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Weren’t mucking around’: Why Pies had to ‘overdeliver’ to land Schultz as manager reflects on trade
Lachie Schultz’s manager has admitted Collingwood had to “overdeliver” to secure the gun forward from Fremantle during the trade period.
Schultz moved from the Dockers to the Magpies in exchange for a future first-round pick and Pick 34 in one of the biggest moves of the exchange period that bolsters the premiers’ forward line.
It came despite the 25-year old having 12 months to run on his contract at Fremantle, opting to return to Victoria sooner for family reasons.
Instead of holding out hope of landing Schultz for nothing as a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, Collingwood moved to bring him in this week by handing over the big haul, which some have suggested was overs.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, Schultz’s manager, Jason Dover from TLA, noted the Dockers needed to get something significant in return to get the deal over the line.
The first conversation Lachie and I had was: ‘Well, you’re contracted mate and Fremantle would have to be willing to do the right thing’,” Dover said.
“But also, if we can’t get a deal that’s right for them, he is contracted and we’d honour that contract and he would have gone back, albeit potentially under trying circumstances.
“We knew that Fremantle had to co-operate and we then had a conversation with them to say: ‘What can we do to make it worth your while?’ (Magpies footy boss) Graham Wright was terrific and the conversations he and (Dockers list manager) David Walls had the from the outset were very amicable.
“Collingwood weren’t mucking around and they knew they had to probably overdeliver in terms of coming with trade assets to Fremantle. I think that’s what allowed it to gather some momentum and actually in the end become a deal.
“If we hadn’t have been realistic in the first place and know that we had to overdeliver in terms of the trade assets for Fremantle, then we probably wouldn’t have got a hearing.”
Though losing Schultz, who finished sixth in the Freo’s best and fairest this year and was its second-highest goalkicker with a career-best 33 goals, as well as Liam Henry leaves key voids at the Dockers, the club is now armed with a huge hand in next year’s draft including holding three first-round picks.
Dover said Fremantle over the last 12 months had been aware of Schultz’s desire to get back Victoria due to personal reasons — reasons he wasn’t willing to disclose — with the goalkicking forward originally from Moama.
And so a trade ensured the Dockers could at least get something in return.
“There were personal family reasons behind it. I won’t go into the exact detail because I don’t think that’s appropriate, but (Fremantle) had been aware of it for at least 12 months that there were some underlying issues there,” Dover added.
“In the end, getting back at the end of the season and having some time back there with his family and his girlfriend, I think the ties back home just grew even stronger. They realised if they could make it happen now, it’s probably the right time to try to do it rather than wait for 12 months.
“That’s when we went to Fremantle and had the conversation and said: ‘If there’s something we can do now to deliver you better value than you’d get in 12 months’ time as a free agent, is it something you’d look at and consider doing with us?’”
The Magpies recruit’s manager also revealed they’d had discussions with “four or five” other clubs plus inquires from two non-Victorian sides that had interest in Schultz during the season.
But Collingwood emerged as the frontrunner after the grand final after it became apparent the club was prepared to stump up in a trade.
“Lachie had a contract that had a trigger in it for next year and he hit that about seven or eight games into this season just gone,” Dover said.
“Along the way clubs knew he might be either coming out of contract or had that trigger … he had a real desire to stay at Fremantle if we could make things work.
“Collingwood came up really late in the piece. Post grand final, Graham Wright and I had a conversation. We’d been in touch along the way but it really started to seem like it was something they could do.
“They felt like they had the assets they could bring to the trade table with Fremantle and it accelerated pretty quickly late the week before the trade period and then over that weekend.
“We ended up making contact with Fremantle on the Monday to broach the subject and see if it was something we could entertain.”
The trade period may be over, but there are still ways for clubs to add to their list before the national draft next month.
The first of three delisted free agency windows opens on November 1, with two windows before and one after the National Draft later in the month, for players to gain a second or third chance.
Foxfooty.com.au has picked out 10 names of players who have either been delisted already, or are set for the chopping block soon, but either deserve a look or are in line for a lifeline as a delisted free agent – and where they could land.
The former Crow and Giant is searching for a third chance at the top level after he was let go from West Lakes. The former first-round pick played 15 games for Adelaide in three seasons after requesting a trade back to South Australia after two seasons at the Giants. Given how testy his trade talks were, it‘s arguably a surprise he wasn’t given greater opportunity at the Crows. Hately believes he can “match it with anyone”, telling Trade Radio was playing close to his best footy in the SANFL and banging down the door to no reward. ”This year, the opportunities weren’t really there. We had a very healthy midfield group and a list that was playing quite well,” Hately said. ”I feel extremely confident that I can still play good AFL footy. I feel like I have played good AFL footy in the past. This year the opportunities didn’t quite come, but I’m still super confident.” A big bodied mid who has spent five years in the system could prove to be a valuable option for clubs looking for extra midfield depth. Turning 23 this weekend, Hately is still in the right bracket to join a rebuilding or regenerating team and provide an extra layer of depth – perhaps a West Coast or North Melbourne, or maybe even a club like Hawthorn – who could try and stash him at Box Hill before picking him up as a rookie in the mid-season draft if he impresses.
LOCHIE O’BRIEN
A year ago it looked as if Lochie O‘Brien had saved his football career when he was rewarded with a two-year extension at Carlton. Now he is looking for a new home to salvage it, after he was delisted with a year remaining on his contract. The former pick 10 played 66 games for the Blues but only managed six games this year – four of them as the starting substitute – as recruit Blake Acres and draftee Ollie Hollands surged ahead of him in the wing pecking order at Carlton. He could add to a team with the dash, outside run and kicking skills that have always been a feature in his game. The Mildura product attended Geelong Grammar for school and could maybe see an opening back down the highway at the Cats as they look to keep regenerating their list with younger talent. Collingwood have also previously shown fleeting interest in O’Brien on multiple occasions but after the success and stability in the Collingwood list, it looks like that opportunity may not be there anymore.
TRENT BIANCO
Bianco was one of five Collingwood players not offered a contract after their Grand Final triumph, departing his boyhood club after playing 23 games including last year‘s Preliminary Final against Sydney, after being selected in the 2019 National Draft. Bianco only played the one game this season at AFL level, but was a constant performer at the lower level, averaging 23.4 disposals from 18 games in the VFL. AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reported in August that there was rival interest in Bianco as a delisted free agent, and the Victorian has made it clear he’d be willing to play anywhere. “There’s a little bit of interest out there,” Bianco said on Trade Radio. ”I would just love to be on an AFL list again. I’m probably hungrier than ever at the moment and I feel like I’ve got so much more to give. I was playing some really good footy this year in the VFL. Our team was gone very well, so it was hard to sort of break in but I feel I’ve got so much more to give. I think I’m at an age now where I’ve lived the experience in Melbourne and I feel like I’d be ready to make a move (interstate).”
BRODIE MCLAUGHLIN
The SSP recruit was a surprise axing at the Suns because of their list squeeze, with a haul of Academy products coming down the pipeline. “I had plenty of open and honest conversations throughout the years with (Suns list boss) Craig Cameron, and with the current list set up and academy players coming in next year … we knew it would be tough to stick around at the club,“ he explained on Trade Radio. “Craig has been awesome with me and very complimentary of my year. He said he would have loved to keep me, but realistically … I probably wouldn’t be able to play next year.” The Frosty Miller Medallist and VFL premiership player is hitting the prime of his career at 25 years old, and could prove to be the perfect foil for a club in need of a marking and goal kicking target or that ready-made depth option. Melbourne certainly needs a bit of forward help but they‘re chips in on the Harrison Petty/Jacob van Rooyen combination, with Ben Brown and Tom McDonald as backup, and McLaughlin wouldn’t be an obvious starter ahead of that group. It was reported late in the trade period that St Kilda had shown interest in McLaughlin and could still look to bring him in to provide some assistance for Max King and stiffen up their front half with another genuine tall option; after all Anthony Caminiti was the last man on their list during the pre-season and ended up playing 18 games. Would North Melbourne see him as a ready-made option to assist Nick Larkey?
BRYNN TEAKLE
Up to three clubs have already been linked to the 24-year-old following his six game stint in a year and a half at the Power. Teakle was delisted in the club‘s first round of axings to make room for ruck recruits Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet who came into the club on deadline day. AFL Media reported the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and the GWS Giants have registered interest in the Western Australian. Sweet’s incoming exit could open a spot on the Bulldogs’ list for a player like Teakle to play a supporting role for All-Australian ruckman Tim English, while Teakle has also been trialled as a defender and can play as a forward target, potentially giving the Dogs more flexibility among their key position stocks. The Kangaroos will also be looking for depth options behind Tristan Xerri, while Teakle could rival Charlie Comben and Callum Coleman-Jones at Arden Street to partner Nick Larkey in attack. The Giants have committed to Braydon Preuss for another year to back up Kieren Briggs but having lost Matthew Flynn as a Free Agent to West Coast, could add some extra depth.
JACK PERIS
The son of Olympic champion Nova broke through for his senior debut in Round 18 this year against the Gold Coast after graduating from the Saints Next Generation Academy. It was the only game he played before he was delisted at the end of the year. Ironically it could be the Suns who give him a second chance. According to SEN‘s Tom Morris, the Suns are exploring the possibility of bringing Peris in to train through the pre-season, with a view to possibly handing him a rookie list spot. The lightning quick half forward impressed with his speed and fleet of foot skills and could still yet have plenty to offer at AFL level in a new environment.
ORAZIO FANTASIA
While he is yet to be officially delisted from Port Adelaide, it appears unlikely that Orazio Fantasia will be at Alberton Oval next season. After two injury riddled seasons, Fantasia has question marks over his body and fitness but is still capable of producing moments of brilliance in the forward half which has piqued rival interest as a depth option. Foxfooty.com.au‘s David Zita reported last week of the Giants’ interest in Fantasia, with the 28-year-old meeting with the club during the trade period and completing a medical. If he is to be let go by the Power, the Giants appear the club most likely to give Fantasia a third chance at AFL level on an incentive-based rookie deal.
SCOTT LYCETT
Similar to Fantasia, Lycett is yet to officially be moved on from Port Adelaide, but the Power‘s dual ruck acquisitions on deadline day all but confirmed that the premiership Eagle’s days at Alberton Oval are numbered. His manager Colin Young confirmed on Trade Radio on deadline day Lycett was deciding between retiring or continuing his career at a third club. After a solid performance in the Power’s unsuccessful finals run it’s clear Lycett still has a bit more to give, and there are always teams willing to spin the ruck merry-go-round. In a virtual trade, Lycett could replace Soldo at Punt Road and provide some experience for Richmond as backup to Toby Nankervis. North Melbourne might also be a suitor for Lycett if he puts himself on the open market as senior experience to young ruck duo Tristian Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones who have both had their injury troubles in recent seasons. Don’t count out Geelong either, who love the look of young Toby Conway and have the ever-inconsistent Rhys Stanley.
RHYS MATHIESON
Mathieson‘s struggle for game time at the loaded Lions reached a peak in 2023 when he failed to break through for a single senior game. While he is yet to be moved on by the Lions, a move appears imminent after failing to find a new home in the trade period. Mathieson has played 72 games in eight years at the Lions and would feel he still has more to offer after being used as the sub across the 2022 finals series. His experience in big games could be appealing for a club seeking that extra edge in the midfield and maturity around the edges of a young list. As the Eagles continue their long rebuild, could they make a call with the promise of game time in a young team to help play a big role in the climb back up the ladder?
HAYDEN CROZIER
Another one who is yet to be delisted but his time at his current club appears close to up, Crozier could be moving onto his third AFL home. Crozier only managed four games in his sixth year at the Bulldogs. Having battled injuries in recent years, the 29-year-old has struggled to maintain a regular spot in Luke Beveridge‘s side. The 142-gamer could yet prove valuable depth for a side close to contending or provide cover for a side lacking defensive experience. The primary link through the trade period was with Carlton, and Crozier could yet be signed on or invited to train across the pre-season at Princes Park. Adelaide could use some defensive assistance with its young and injury-hit backline, though he doesn’t quite have the size they’d like, while Richmond’s back six has become a problem and they could opt for Crozier as a cheap fill-in.
