Collingwood have announced the return of former assistant coach Matthew Boyd ahead of the 2025 pre-season.
Boyd will land back in Victoria after spending the past four years with Fremantle under Dockers senior coach and former Magpies colleague Justin Longmuir.
The 42-year-old returns to Melbourne for family reasons and will commence a new role with Collingwood in November after leading Fremantle's defence since the 2021 season.
“We welcome Matthew and his family back to our Club,” Collingwood football boss Brendon Bolton said.
“Matthew started his coaching career with Collingwood and has since gone on to further develop himself under Justin Longmuir at Fremantle.
“He has experienced great success as a player and has spent six years as a highly regarded assistant coach.
“We are really pleased to have Matthew join our program and we extend that welcome to his wife Kate and their three children Chloe, Asher and James.”
Boyd brings over two decades of experience back to Collingwood, having started his AFL career in 2002 with the Western Bulldogs. The hard-nosed defender played 292 games in the red, white and blue, including a role in the club's drought-breaking 2016 premiership.
The new Magpies assistant also won three best and fairests and three All-Australian selections during his 15 seasons with the Bulldogs, who he captained from 2011-2013.
“It has been an extremely difficult decision to make,” Boyd said on his Dockers departure.
“My family and I have loved our time as part of the Freo family and it is with a heavy heart that we will be leaving the Club.
“I truly believe this group can do amazing things, and my family and I will all be watching on with great interest.
“There will always be a spot for the Freo family in our hearts.”
Boyd arrives at Olympic Park after an off-field shuffle in Collingwood's football department, with Bolton and Justin Leppitsch stepping into more senior roles ahead of the new season.