Brady Grey

Ex-Docker to play for Collingwood’s VFL unit

The 29-year-old has also landed an off-field role with the Magpies.

Published by
Mitch Keating

New Collingwood Indigenous player development manager Brady Grey will also suit up for the Magpies' VFL side next season after crossing over from Western Australia.

Grey has landed at Olympic Park after coaching roles with Hawthorn and Fremantle, while he spent five years on the Dockers' list as a player prior to moving into coaching.

The 29-year-old played 21 AFL games in purple before leaving the club at the end of 2018, with Grey heading to Victoria in an off-field role with the Hawks.

He would return to Fremantle in 2022 as a midfield development coach and Indigenous player liaison while also suiting up for the Dockers' WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder.

Grey played 40 games for Peel across his pair of seasons with the club, averaging 19.5 disposals, 3.1 marks and 2.75 tackles per game this year on the way to winning the WAFL premiership.

Adding to his role with the Magpies, Grey will play for the club's VFL side next season as he looks to aid the development of Collingwood's emerging ranks.

“It's really exciting and I can't wait to get going. Clearly it's a big Club and I've adored them from afar for a period of time," Grey said in a club statement.

"I was at Freo the last couple of years in a coaching role and looking at a few different options from a personal standpoint and an opportunity came up through conversations with Collingwood to come over as the Indigenous PDM.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Brady Grey of the Dockers looks to break from a tackled by Steele Sidebottom of the Magpies during the round 23 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

"I still want to keep playing VFL footy and play for as long as I can and I saw Collingwood as a really good opportunity for myself as a player but also to keep my coaching credentials going along and bring a bit of leadership."

Adding to his experience at AFL level, Grey has played 128 WAFL matches across his time in Western Australia, representing Peel, West Coast and Perth.

Collingwood's VFL coaching team has undergone a change since last season, with coach Josh Fraser moving into the head of development role as Andy Otten steps into the senior coaching gig.

The pair will be supported by development coaches Neville Jetta and Chloe McMillan.

Collingwood's VFL side finished 20th in the competition this year, winning four games to finish ahead of the Northern Bullants at the foot of the ladder.

Published by
Mitch Keating