The 2024 AFL Draft will go down in history as a monumental moment for Collingwood Football Club, marking not just the acquisition of promising young talent but the culmination of years of meticulous planning, strategic decision-making, and bold moves on the trade table. After a season of extraordinary highs, including a thrilling finals campaign, the Magpies set their sights on future glory. On the night of the draft, the club’s hierarchy had one goal in mind: to reinforce their already impressive squad with a fresh injection of youth and potential, while ensuring they stayed in the mix for premiership contention in the coming seasons.
The AFL Draft, which was held on a chilly evening in late November, showcased the brilliance of Collingwood’s recruiting team, who had been working behind the scenes for months, if not years, to secure the picks they needed to craft the perfect blend of youth and experience. Under the astute leadership of General Manager of Football, Graham Wright, and the ever-shrewd list manager, Ned Guy, Collingwood’s approach to the 2024 draft was a masterclass in planning and foresight.
This is the inside story of how the Pies secured their 2024 draft haul, how the club strategically maneuvered its picks, and what the future holds for these young recruits. From the whispers and trades leading up to the draft, to the tension-filled moments when each pick was called, the Magpies’ draft strategy was carefully designed to ensure a mix of immediate impact and long-term development.
The Lead-Up to Draft Night: A Year in the Making
Collingwood’s 2024 draft strategy did not begin on the night of November 28th. It was a plan in the making, crafted over the course of the 2024 season, as the club evaluated its needs, identified its targets, and navigated the intricate world of player movement. As the year progressed, Collingwood had to consider how to balance its current success with its future aspirations.
Collingwood had already secured one key asset in the 2024 draft with their pick at #6, a result of the club’s consistent finish in the top half of the ladder. But the Pies weren’t satisfied with just one early pick. They knew they had an opportunity to secure multiple future stars, and with clever trade deals, they ensured that their position in the draft order was optimized.
The biggest pre-draft move came with a trade that sent veteran defender Brayden Maynard’s name into the mix as part of a deal to acquire an additional pick in the draft. The Pies’ desire to bring in a strong forward and a potential key defender was clear. Despite their position as one of the AFL’s most competitive teams, Collingwood understood the importance of refreshing their ranks and building for sustained success.
Collingwood’s trading success didn’t end there. The club also made a late move to secure a trade with Fremantle, allowing them to nab a future first-round pick for 2025, which would give them further flexibility in the upcoming seasons. The club’s ability to maneuver the draft board, securing future picks and solidifying a healthy balance between short-term competitiveness and long-term development, was testament to the depth of planning involved.
As draft night approached, Collingwood had set itself up perfectly. They had the pick of the talent pool, a balanced mix of needs, and a plan for development. What they needed now were players who would deliver on that vision.
Draft Night Begins: The Pies’ First Pick at #6
The first major moment of Collingwood’s 2024 draft night came early, with the club’s pick at #6. After months of scouting, video analysis, and feedback from both the coaching staff and recruitment team, the Pies had narrowed their options down to a handful of highly rated prospects.
The decision was made when the name Ethan Maynard, a powerful midfielder from the SANFL, was called out. Maynard’s selection was met with enthusiasm from both the crowd and those watching at home. Standing at 188 cm and weighing in at 85 kg, Maynard’s blend of speed, strength, and smarts in the midfield made him the ideal candidate to complement Collingwood’s already impressive midfield unit. His ability to win the ball on the inside and his capacity to break free from packs with his burst of speed added a new dimension to the Magpies’ midfield.
Maynard, who had been a standout at SANFL level, was lauded for his leadership and maturity beyond his years. Collingwood’s midfield group—led by the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp, and Jordan De Goey—was in need of fresh blood to build for the future. Maynard’s addition provided that injection of youth while also offering a player capable of making an immediate impact. His versatility, however, was what truly excited the Collingwood coaching staff. Maynard had shown the ability to play both inside and outside, making him a potential long-term option as a modern, multi-dimensional midfielder.
The Strategic Move: Collingwood’s Next Picks
While Maynard was the headline pick, Collingwood’s recruiting team wasn’t finished yet. The club’s next selections were critical to shaping the team’s future. As draft night continued, there was palpable excitement around the next few picks.
At pick #15, Collingwood’s recruiters selected Riley Dunne, a key forward out of the Gippsland Power. Dunne was one of the best pure goal-kickers in the draft and one of the most highly rated forward prospects in recent years. Standing at 196 cm, Dunne is a powerful, athletic forward with a knack for finding space and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to mark strongly and finish accurately in front of goal made him a player of immense potential.
Dunne’s selection was a statement about Collingwood’s commitment to strengthening its forward line. The Pies had a potent attack led by star forward Brody Mihocek and dynamic players like Jamie Elliott and Jack Ginnivan, but they had long been in the market for a player who could offer a strong presence in the key forward post. Dunne was that player. His mobility and high marking ability made him a threat in all areas of the ground, and his size and strength offered the Magpies an exciting option for the future.
The next key move came at pick #28, where Collingwood took Sam Archer, a tall defender from the Eastern Ranges. Archer was seen as a player with great upside, boasting a combination of height, athleticism, and reading of the game. At 194 cm, Archer has the potential to develop into a versatile key defender capable of locking down opposition forwards and setting up play from the backline. His intercept marking ability and composure under pressure were standout features of his game, and the Pies were excited to add him to their defensive unit.
With the defensive line led by veteran defenders such as Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard, Archer represented the club’s long-term vision for its backline. His development over the coming years would ensure that Collingwood could maintain a strong, cohesive defensive unit, even as the likes of Moore and others aged.
The Hidden Gem: Late-Round Selections
As the draft moved into the later rounds, Collingwood’s recruitment team turned their attention to uncovering hidden gems. The Pies had already filled key needs with their earlier picks, but the late rounds presented an opportunity to find players who could potentially exceed expectations.
At pick #42, Collingwood selected Toby Jenkins, a small forward from the Calder Cannons. Jenkins was known for his electric pace, sharp foot skills, and pressure around the ball. Standing at 178 cm, he was the type of player who could make an impact in the forward 50 with his ability to apply defensive pressure and create scoring opportunities through his clever positioning and quick reflexes. Collingwood’s forward line, often reliant on pressure and small forwards like Ginnivan and Elliott, now had another weapon in Jenkins—a player with the potential to play a key role in the team’s forward half.
The Magpies weren’t done with their late-round selections. At pick #58, they secured Dylan Walters, a midfielder from the Western Jets. Walters was a raw, untapped talent who showed great promise with his powerful kicking and ability to win contested ball. His skillset was still in development, but his work ethic and potential were clear to Collingwood’s recruiters. His addition to the list rounded out the Pies’ draft haul, providing a versatile, hard-working midfielder who could develop over time into a player of great value.
Collingwood’s Draft Vision: Balancing Short-Term Success and Long-Term Development
As Collingwood’s recruiters reflected on the 2024 draft haul, it became clear that the club’s strategy had struck the perfect balance between short-term success and long-term development. The selections of Maynard, Dunne, and Archer ensured that Collingwood had strengthened key areas of their squad, with players who could contribute immediately. Yet, the selections of Jenkins and Walters represented a commitment to building depth and development, ensuring the future of the club would remain strong.
Collingwood’s 2024 draft strategy was a reflection of the club’s overall philosophy under coach Craig McRae. The Pies had made their mark on the AFL with a style of play that emphasized fast ball movement, high pressure, and a team-first mentality. In acquiring players like Maynard, Dunne, and Archer, Collingwood was enhancing this game plan for the years to come.
As the 2024 season approaches, the club’s new recruits will join a squad already brimming with talent and potential. The future looks bright for Collingwood, and the 2024 draft has ensured the club remains one of the most well-balanced and dynamic teams in the competition.
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
For Collingwood Football Club, the 2024 AFL Draft represents the beginning of a new era. With a talented mix of established stars and promising young recruits, the Pies are well-positioned to remain competitive for years to come. The strategic moves made by the club’s recruiting team on draft night reflect not just a vision for the immediate future but a long-term commitment to sustained success. As the new recruits settle into their roles at the club, the Magpies’ faithful can look forward to a bright and exciting future.
