Jack Madgen Returns to Collingwood as VFL Senior Coach: A New Era for the Magpies’ Development Pathway
In a significant and sentimental appointment, the Collingwood Football Club has officially named former defender Jack Madgen as its new VFL Senior Coach, marking a full-circle moment for the former Pie. After carving out a respectable playing career at the club and earning acclaim for his leadership and coaching development in South Australia, Madgen now returns to the black and white stripes in a new capacity — this time from the coach’s box.
Madgen’s return comes at a pivotal time for Collingwood’s VFL program, as the club looks to bolster its player development pipeline and reassert itself as a dominant force at the state-league level. The move is not only a nod to Madgen’s legacy with the club but a strong statement of intent for the Magpies’ future.
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A Defender’s Journey: From Rookie to Respected Clubman
Jack Madgen’s path to elite football was anything but conventional. Originally a talented basketballer who played college hoops in the United States, Madgen made the transition to Australian rules football relatively late. But his grit, athleticism, and willingness to learn caught the attention of Collingwood recruiters, and he was signed as a Category B rookie in 2017.
He made his AFL debut in 2018 against the Sydney Swans, and over five seasons, he pulled on the famous black and white guernsey 49 times. Known for his no-nonsense defending and versatility, Madgen became a reliable squad player during an era that saw Collingwood reach the 2018 Grand Final and remain a regular finals contender.
Though he was delisted at the end of the 2022 season, Madgen’s impact on the club was lasting — not only as a player but as a mentor, teammate, and cultural leader.
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Building Coaching Credentials in South Australia
After his AFL stint, Madgen didn’t walk away from the game. Instead, he turned his attention to development and coaching. Signing with Adelaide’s SANFL side, he quickly became a key figure both on and off the field, eventually captaining the team. His leadership qualities were evident, and he embraced the opportunity to guide younger players through the challenges of semi-professional football.
Concurrently, Madgen took on coaching roles within the Adelaide Crows Academy, working with emerging talent across the club’s junior development programs. He also contributed to the Crows’ AFLW program as a line coach, further expanding his knowledge and adaptability across different levels of the game.
This period helped shape Madgen not only as a coach but as a communicator and tactician — someone capable of managing diverse groups, understanding individual player needs, and maintaining high-performance standards.
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The Collingwood Return: Why Now?
Collingwood’s decision to bring Madgen back into the fold reflects a few key priorities: continuity, culture, and coaching development. With the modern VFL system increasingly becoming a critical bridge between junior talent and senior AFL ranks, clubs are placing a premium on leaders who understand both elite expectations and the nuances of player development.
Madgen fits that bill perfectly. As someone who worked his way up from Category B rookie status into an AFL player — and later mentored emerging players in South Australia — he brings firsthand experience of the grind required to make it in the AFL.
Furthermore, his understanding of Collingwood’s culture and inner workings positions him well to reinforce the club’s standards and philosophies at the VFL level. In essence, he becomes both a coach and a cultural conduit.
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A Focus on Development, Not Just Winning
While VFL success is always desirable, clubs like Collingwood view their reserves side as an incubator for future AFL talent. That’s where Madgen’s approach will be most vital. His emphasis on individual growth, accountability, and team-first values aligns with what Collingwood demands from its emerging players.
As Senior Coach, Madgen will oversee a program that blends listed AFL players returning from injury or seeking form, with VFL-contracted talent aiming to impress. Managing that dynamic requires both tactical nous and emotional intelligence — traits Madgen has demonstrated throughout his post-AFL career.
“I know what it takes to get the most out of yourself when you’re not a superstar,” Madgen said in a recent club interview. “That’s the type of environment I want to create — one where hard work, effort, and learning are rewarded.”
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The Bigger Picture: Collingwood’s VFL Direction
Madgen replaces outgoing coach Josh Fraser, himself a former Collingwood player, as the club looks to refresh its approach. The timing also aligns with Collingwood’s long-term list management strategy, which places increasing value on developing AFL-ready depth from within.
General Manager of Football, Graham Wright, praised Madgen’s appointment, stating: “Jack is a natural leader who understands the demands of AFL football and the power of culture. He’s passionate about teaching and helping others grow, and that’s exactly what our VFL program is about.”
There’s also a sense that Madgen’s appointment is part of a broader trend within AFL clubs — bringing back former players in meaningful development roles. Whether it’s Sam Mitchell at Hawthorn or Scott Selwood at Geelong, clubs are increasingly turning to individuals who understand the club’s DNA to help shape its future.
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Challenges Ahead
Of course, the transition to head coaching won’t be without challenges. The VFL competition is fiercely contested, with several stand-alone clubs and AFL-aligned teams boasting deep talent pools and experienced coaching panels.
Madgen will need to quickly adapt to the demands of week-to-week tactical planning, in-game adjustments, and squad management across a 20+ round season. He’ll also need to build relationships with Collingwood’s AFL coaches to ensure alignment in game style, terminology, and player feedback.
But if his trajectory so far is anything to go by, Madgen is more than capable of meeting those challenges head-on.
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Looking Ahead
For Jack Madgen, this appointment represents not only a homecoming but a statement of purpose. He’s not just back at Collingwood — he’s back with a mission. His goal? To build a VFL program that develops talent, fosters a winning culture, and reflects the high standards of one of the AFL’s most storied clubs.
And for Collingwood, the move signals a renewed commitment to internal growth, culture-driven leadership, and smart football development. If Madgen can guide the club’s next wave of stars with the same determination that marked his playing career, Collingwood’s future — at both VFL and AFL levels — is in strong hands.
