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Collingwood Parts Ways With Four Players as Hawthorn Premiership Heroes Move to Richmond

In a stunning shake-up that has sent ripples across the AFL landscape, Collingwood Football Club has officially parted ways with four of its senior players, signaling the start of a new era at the Holden Centre. At the same time, the football world is abuzz with news that two Hawthorn premiership heroes have made the switch to Richmond, reuniting with familiar faces and reigniting memories of their golden era at the Hawks. The combination of these two bombshells has left fans of all three clubs in shock, sparking fierce debate about list management, loyalty, and the ever-changing dynamics of modern football.

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Collingwood’s Bold Call: A New Direction

For Collingwood, the decision to part ways with four players is not one taken lightly. Coming off another rollercoaster season, the Magpies’ football department has clearly decided to prioritize youth, speed, and versatility over experience. While the names of the departing players may not all be household superstars, their impact within the club and their connections with teammates cannot be underestimated.

Reports suggest that salary cap pressure and the need to inject younger talent into the squad played major roles in the decision. Collingwood’s list management team has been ruthless in ensuring the club avoids stagnation, and while tough, these calls are designed to keep the Magpies firmly in the premiership window.

For supporters, though, the departures sting. Players who bleed black and white often become part of the family, and losing four in one swoop inevitably feels like a rupture. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with some fans praising the club’s bravery while others questioned whether too much experience had been let go at once.

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The Four Departures: End of an Era

Each of the four players leaving Collingwood carries their own story, their own journey, and their own legacy. For some, the end comes after years of loyal service; for others, it is a reminder of how brutally competitive AFL can be.

Veteran leadership lost: One of the departing players is a seasoned campaigner who has been part of Collingwood’s leadership group. Known for his toughness and reliability, his absence leaves a leadership gap that will need to be filled quickly.

Injury-plagued warrior: Another player, once touted as a future star, has had his career hampered by injuries. His exit marks a sad conclusion to a career that promised so much.

Role players sacrificed: The remaining two departures fall into the “glue guys” category—players who may not grab headlines but play crucial roles in depth, versatility, and structure. Their exits underline just how ruthless list management can be.

While none of the four exits individually shocked the football public, the collective announcement delivered like a hammer blow. The Magpies now face the challenge of ensuring that the culture, camaraderie, and depth built over years do not unravel.

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Hawthorn Heroes Reignite at Richmond

As Collingwood was dealing with its exits, another bombshell rocked the AFL world: two Hawthorn premiership heroes have officially signed with Richmond. For Hawks fans, it was a bittersweet moment—an acknowledgment that the dynasty of the 2013-2015 premiership years has truly passed, but also a sense of pride in seeing beloved players continue their careers elsewhere.

For Richmond, this is more than just a recruitment coup. It is a statement of intent. The Tigers, who themselves recently experienced a golden era of premiership glory, have brought in proven winners, leaders, and cultural architects. These Hawthorn champions know what it takes to win on the biggest stage, and their experience could be the missing ingredient for Richmond’s next premiership tilt.

The emotional aspect of this move cannot be overlooked. Fans still remember the dazzling brilliance and relentless work ethic these heroes displayed at the MCG during Hawthorn’s three-peat era. To see them now donning the yellow and black will take some getting used to, but their football smarts, leadership qualities, and ability to mentor younger Tigers are invaluable assets.

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The Ripple Effect Across the AFL

The simultaneous departure of Collingwood’s quartet and the arrival of Hawthorn’s heroes at Richmond has created a domino effect across the league. Rival clubs now find themselves re-evaluating their own lists. If the reigning premiers can move on loyal servants, and if triple premiership stars can leave their spiritual homes, then loyalty and sentimentality truly have little place in the high-stakes game of AFL list management.

For players across the competition, this serves as a stark reminder: careers are short, windows are brief, and opportunities to remain at the elite level depend on form, fitness, and timing. Clubs, meanwhile, are increasingly willing to make hard calls in the pursuit of sustained success.

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Collingwood’s Road Ahead

With four players gone, the spotlight now turns to the next generation at Collingwood. Young stars like Nick Daicos and Jack Ginnivan symbolize the future—fearless, skillful, and capable of taking games apart. The Magpies’ recruiting team will be tasked with ensuring the depth lost through these exits is replenished with exciting young talent from the draft or shrewd trades.

There is also the question of culture. Collingwood has built a reputation for unity and resilience, especially under coach Craig McRae, and this upheaval will test that fabric. Fans will watch closely to see whether the next wave of Magpies can carry the torch and ensure the club remains a perennial contender.

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Richmond’s Resurgence

For Richmond, the addition of Hawthorn’s premiership heroes is about more than on-field performance. It signals ambition and a desire to rejuvenate the group without embarking on a full rebuild. These signings add both credibility and excitement, especially for the younger Tigers who now have the opportunity to learn directly from players who have scaled the highest peaks of the game.

Whether the move translates into immediate on-field success remains to be seen, but Richmond’s list profile suddenly looks sharper, smarter, and far more experienced. The club’s ability to attract such decorated players also speaks volumes about its culture and standing in the AFL community.

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Fans’ Emotional Rollercoaster

Perhaps the most compelling part of this double development is the emotional ride it has taken supporters on. Collingwood fans, still reeling from farewelling four players, now find themselves watching as their old rivals Richmond bolster their squad with premiership royalty. Hawthorn supporters, meanwhile, are caught between sadness and pride as their beloved champions move on to a new chapter.

The AFL is as much about stories as it is about statistics. These moves remind us why the game captures the hearts of millions—the drama, the unpredictability, the intertwining of triumph and heartbreak.

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Conclusion: A League Transformed

Collingwood’s bold decision to part ways with four players and Richmond’s recruitment of Hawthorn premiership heroes represent more than just list changes—they reflect the constantly evolving nature of Australian rules football. Clubs must balance loyalty with ambition, sentiment with pragmatism, and past glories with future possibilities.

For Collingwood, the challenge is to regenerate without losing their edge. For Richmond, the mission is to harness the wisdom and experience of Hawthorn’s legends to inspire a new wave of success. For Hawthorn, it’s another step in the process of moving on from their golden generation.

One thing is certain: the AFL landscape has shifted once again. The 2026 season already promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory, with these moves setting the stage for fresh rivalries, rejuvenated contenders, and the eternal drama that keeps fans glued to the game they love.