Holding one of the more depleted draft hands, Collingwood is unlikely to play a part in this year's AFL Draft until the second half of the count.
The Magpies have the latest opening pick of any club in this year's draft order, with their first pick not coming until the middle of the third round due to an aggressive trade period that saw them left with no first-round selections across the 2024 and 2025 drafts.
The depth of this year's draft class hopefully means the Magpies don't miss out on a promising teenager or two, while matched Academy and father-son bids could see their opening pick slide forward as multiple picks ahead of them are swallowed up.
With clear list needs hopefully addressed at the draft, the Magpies will hope certain ducks align once they're on the clock.
Draft Hand
Picks: 52, 55, 58
After seeking players over picks as part of their list strategy this off-season, the Magpies currently won't make a selection until midway through the third round of November's count.
They'll have three selections within seven spots at that point in the draft and will hope certain names are still up for grabs that late into the count while they could package a pair of their selections in an attempt to move up the board.
Without a first-round selection for next year, it's unlikely we'll see Collingwood enter the first two rounds of the draft via live trading.
List Needs
Height in defence:ย The Magpies are still lacking key backman both in their best side and depth chart, with the club bidding farewell to Nathan Murphy this year as well as Joshua Eyre and potentially Charlie Dean, who remains unsigned for 2025. It's an area that will need to be addressed over the next year, with this year's draft a potential avenue for Collingwood to find a key defender for the future.
Midfield depth:ย Whether it be now or soon, the Magpies will look to transition their midfield group away from the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Tom Mitchell and Jordan De Goey, stressing a need for more midfield depth options at hand. Ed Allan had a nice finish to 2024, but Craig McRae needs more than just the Western Australian to step up in the coming years.
Key forward options:ย Tall attackers are often an area of need at Olympic Park, and while they'll add to their key position with the acquisition of Saint Tim Membrey, future options who are coming through the ranks are also needed. Reef McInnes' future is up in the air, while Nathan Kreuger was cut from the club at the end of the season. Ash Johnson doesn't look to be the answer anymore either.
Potential Targets
Charlie Nicholls: The South Australian proved to be a decent swingman but will be more recognised as a key forward. Nicholls booted 22 goals from his 11 games for Central District's U18s side and showed glimpses at the National Championships for South Australia, averaging 6.5 marks, 2.0 contested marks and 3.0 score involvements per game. At 197cm, Nicholls is a promising aerial threat who can use his marking work behind the ball. Northern Knights tall forward Thomas Sims is another name the Magpies could consider.
Clancy Dennis:ย The 195cm tall defender was named at centre half-back in the U18 All-Australian side following a promising carnival for Western Australia, who he averaged 11.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 2.3 intercept marks and 3.5 rebound 50s power game for. A strongly built backman, Dennis led the way in 2024 with his contested work and aerial strengths, proving to be both a lockdown and intercept figure in defence for the Sandrgropers and Claremont's Colts side.
Nathaniel Sulzberger:ย The Tasmanian proved to be a versatile asset for the Allies and Sandringham Dragons this year as a hard-running midfield-forward threat. He took on a number of roles across the course of the year and looked to suit whatever was thrown at him as he used his aerobic capacity and speed to his advantage. Sulzberger averaged 18.9 disposals, 3.6 marks, 3.4 inside 50s, 6.1 score involvements, 2.5 tackles and went at almost a goal per game from his 10 matches for the Dragons on their way to claiming the premiership.
