Collingwood Finally Announces List Changes: A Turning Point for the Magpies’ Future
For weeks, speculation had swirled around the Holden Centre. Fans, analysts, and even rival clubs had been waiting for clarity as Collingwood’s list management team carefully assessed the future of the reigning powerhouse. On Friday, the silence was broken: Collingwood officially announced their list changes ahead of the 2026 AFL season. The news has sent shockwaves across the football landscape, sparking both excitement and heartache among the Magpie Army.
This announcement represents more than just the routine trimming of a squad; it’s a statement of intent about where the club is heading, how they want to shape their next premiership window, and the sacrifices required along the way. Let’s break down the changes, their significance, and what this means for Collingwood in the short and long term.
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The Context: A Club Under Pressure
Collingwood’s 2025 campaign was one of mixed fortunes. While they showed glimpses of brilliance reminiscent of their premiership-winning season just two years earlier, inconsistency plagued them. A slew of injuries, aging stars, and questions around depth exposed weaknesses that rival clubs ruthlessly exploited.
Coach Craig McRae, alongside football boss Graham Wright, made it clear that the club could not stand still. The AFL is unforgiving—resting on past glories is a recipe for decline. For Collingwood to remain at the top, bold moves had to be made. The long-awaited list announcement is the culmination of months of internal reviews, trade period maneuvering, and tough conversations with players whose dreams have lived and died in black and white.
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Who’s Out: The Departures That Hurt
The headline news from the announcement was the departure of four senior-listed players and two rookies. Among them were names that fans had cheered for over many seasons.
1. Tom Wilson – Once touted as a utility with enormous potential, Wilson never quite cemented his spot in the best 22. Despite flashes of promise, injuries and inconsistent form left him on the outer. His departure is bittersweet: fans appreciated his effort, but the reality is that opportunity dried up.
2. Nathan Kreuger – A fan favourite for his courage and competitiveness, Kreuger’s time at Collingwood has been blighted by repeated injuries. Though his spirit and resilience were never in doubt, the club ultimately had to make a call. For many in the Magpie Army, this one stings.
3. Trey Ruscoe – A versatile option across half-back and half-forward, Ruscoe fell behind in the pecking order as younger players pushed through. Though loved for his off-field personality, he couldn’t quite carve out a consistent role in the side.
4. Finlay Macrae – Perhaps the most surprising exit. As the younger brother of Bulldogs star Jack Macrae, Finlay was seen as one of Collingwood’s future midfield hopes. But despite multiple preseasons, he never secured regular selection. His delisting highlights just how cutthroat the AFL can be.
The rookies cut included Oscar Steene and Josh Carmichael, both of whom battled hard but could not break through into a stacked senior squad.
For players and fans alike, these announcements are gut-wrenching. Careers in football are fleeting, and while departures are necessary, they leave behind memories, friendships, and untapped potential.
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Why These Changes Were Necessary
While painful, Collingwood’s decision to refresh the list is strategic. The club’s list management team has identified key priorities:
Youth Development: Collingwood wants to create space for their next generation of talent, including the likes of Harvey Harrison, Ed Allan, and the incoming draftees. Giving these players exposure now will fast-track their development.
Injury Management: The Pies can’t afford to carry players with chronic injury issues. As harsh as it sounds, the club needs bodies that are durable and available for selection week in, week out.
List Balance: Too many players were occupying similar roles without offering enough point of difference. By making cuts, Collingwood frees up list spots and salary cap space to address specific needs—most notably key position depth and midfield support.
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The Fans’ Reaction
Collingwood supporters, never shy in sharing their opinions, reacted with a mix of heartbreak and acceptance. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement:
Some fans lamented the departure of Ruscoe and Kreuger, describing them as “cult heroes” who embodied the fighting spirit of the club.
Others expressed frustration that Finlay Macrae wasn’t given enough opportunities to prove himself at senior level.
Many, however, acknowledged that tough calls are necessary if the Magpies want to remain a contender.
It’s a reminder that list management is as much about the heart as it is the head. Every player cut has a story, and every fan has a connection—but success requires sacrifice.
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What Comes Next: Draft and Trade Strategy
With these changes, Collingwood now has the flexibility to make aggressive moves in both the national draft and trade period.
1. The Draft: The Pies are expected to target explosive midfielders and developing key position players. Rumours already link them to a couple of highly rated under-18 prospects who could bolster their depth.
2. Trades: With Brody Mihocek’s future uncertain and Billy Elliott heading toward the twilight of his career, Collingwood is eyeing forward reinforcements. Rival clubs have floated Sydney’s Logan McDonald and Gold Coast’s Sam Day as possible targets.
3. Rookie Elevations: Expect to see one or two rookies elevated, rewarding their persistence and aligning with the club’s commitment to development.
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The Emotional Toll on Players
Behind every list change announcement is a human story. For those departing, the news often feels like a brutal end to years of sacrifice. Players spend countless hours training, rehabbing injuries, and chasing their dreams, only to find themselves without a contract.
Collingwood’s statement emphasized the club’s commitment to supporting outgoing players in their transition, whether through connecting them with other clubs or offering welfare and career assistance. It’s a reminder that while football is a ruthless business, clubs still have a duty of care.
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Collingwood’s Future: A New Era Beckons
This announcement may mark the end of certain players’ time at the club, but for Collingwood as a whole, it marks the beginning of a new era. The Magpies remain one of the AFL’s most talented squads, boasting stars like Nick Daicos, Darcy Moore, and Jordan De Goey. With the right mix of youth and experience, the Pies are well-placed to challenge again.
But the challenge is steep. Rivals like Brisbane, Sydney, and Carlton are hungry and building lists capable of premiership success. For Collingwood, the road back to the top will require cohesion, development, and resilience.
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Conclusion: The Cost of Progress
Collingwood’s long-awaited list changes serve as a stark reminder of the AFL’s ruthless nature. Beloved players have been farewelled, promising careers cut short, and fans left with heavy hearts. Yet within this pain lies opportunity: the chance to rejuvenate, reset, and reimagine the club’s future.
The Magpie Army knows that premierships aren’t won by sentiment—they’re won by making tough calls, building balanced squads, and backing the next generation. Collingwood’s announcement is not the end of a story; it’s the opening chapter of what comes next.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: the black and white train never stops. It may change passengers, but its destination remains the same—premiership glory.
