Harrison and DeMattia Extend Commitment to Collingwood for Two More Years……
In a significant move that promises to bolster the Collingwood Football Club’s long-term success, two of its standout players—defender Dylan Harrison and forward Tom DeMattia—have signed contract extensions with the club, ensuring their presence at the Magpies for an additional two years. This extension is not just a win for the players, but a clear signal from Collingwood that the future of the club is in capable hands.
The contract renewals, announced on December 12, 2024, are part of Collingwood’s broader strategy to build a balanced and dynamic roster, ensuring both seasoned players and promising new talent remain with the club. As the AFL enters a new season with a fresh outlook, Collingwood is positioning itself to continue its success in both the short-term and long-term.
A Bright Future for Harrison and DeMattia
Harrison and DeMattia are two players who have quickly become integral parts of Collingwood’s setup. Their renewed commitment highlights their belief in the club’s trajectory and plans under the guidance of head coach Craig McRae, who has already overseen significant improvements since taking over the role.
Dylan Harrison: A Key Defender in the Making
Dylan Harrison, 23, has been a revelation for Collingwood since joining the club in 2021. Initially drafted from the Tasmanian state league, Harrison’s rise through the ranks has been meteoric. Over the past two years, he has proven to be an important asset in the defensive lineup, with his sharp positioning, ability to read the play, and impeccable foot skills making him one of the most promising young defenders in the competition.
During the 2024 season, Harrison became a mainstay in the defensive 50, often tasked with nullifying key forwards from rival teams. His composure under pressure and tactical awareness allowed him to limit scoring opportunities, even in high-stakes moments. Harrison’s commitment to improving his game, along with his solid defensive performance, earned him the nickname “The Magpie Wall” among the club’s fans.
Speaking after his contract extension, Harrison shared his enthusiasm for his future with Collingwood:
“I’m really excited to extend my time with Collingwood,” Harrison said. “Since arriving at the club, I’ve felt a real sense of belonging, and it’s been an honor to play for such a prestigious club. The coaches and my teammates have supported me every step of the way, and I believe we’re on the cusp of something really special. I can’t wait to contribute even more in the coming years.”
Harrison’s renewal is a testament to his growth as a player, as well as his potential to be a long-term fixture in the club’s defense. He is expected to continue developing under the guidance of Collingwood’s elite coaching staff, and his continued progression could see him become one of the premier defenders in the AFL in the coming seasons.
Tom DeMattia: A Forward Who Can Deliver
Tom DeMattia, 25, has also earned his place in Collingwood’s forward line as one of the most versatile and reliable players. Since joining the club from the Bendigo Pioneers as a promising young talent, DeMattia has shown consistent development in his game, particularly in his ability to hit the scoreboard in clutch moments. His combination of agility, strength, and goal sense has made him one of the key attacking weapons for Collingwood in recent seasons.
In 2024, DeMattia took his game to the next level, finishing as the club’s second-highest goal scorer for the season. His ability to find space and create scoring opportunities, combined with his strong work ethic, has made him a favorite among fans and teammates alike. His partnership with star forward Jordan De Goey has been crucial in Collingwood’s potent forward setup.
DeMattia’s role in the forward line extends beyond just kicking goals. His high work rate, ability to pressure defenders, and support for his teammates in transition make him an essential cog in the team’s structure. He’s shown a level of maturity that belies his age, with his awareness of the game and his composure in front of goal making him a key asset for Collingwood.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time here at Collingwood,” DeMattia said in his interview after the contract extension was announced. “The energy around the club is contagious, and I’m excited about what we can achieve over the next couple of years. The players we’ve brought in, the development of the younger guys, and the strong leadership we have—all of that gives me confidence that we’re headed in the right direction.”
DeMattia’s renewal is another step in Collingwood’s plan to keep their forward line well-stocked with capable goal kickers. His versatility means he can play both as a traditional full forward or as a lead-up forward, which gives Collingwood valuable flexibility in their attacking setup.
Collingwood’s Strategic Vision
The contract extensions of Harrison and DeMattia are part of a broader strategy that Collingwood has been executing since Craig McRae took the reins as coach in 2022. McRae’s focus has been on building a more cohesive and resilient squad, one that can adapt to different challenges while staying true to the club’s aggressive and fast-paced game style.
Since McRae’s appointment, Collingwood has seen significant growth both on and off the field. The team made an impressive run in the 2023 AFL finals, and although they ultimately fell short of winning the premiership, they showed they were capable of competing at the highest level. The club’s board and coaching staff recognize that, in order to stay competitive in the AFL, it is essential to lock in core players who can grow with the team and help guide the club into its next era of success.
This focus on continuity, stability, and player development is what led to the decision to extend Harrison and DeMattia’s contracts. Both players are seen as critical building blocks for the club’s future success, and their ongoing development is expected to complement the growth of other rising stars within the team. Collingwood has also invested heavily in its youth development system, with the Magpies’ academy and recruiting team working tirelessly to identify top talent across the country.
The Support of Leadership
Collingwood’s leadership team has been vocal in their support for the two players and their decision to extend their contracts. Club President Mark Anderson expressed his excitement about the two players’ continued commitment to the club.
“Dylan and Tom have both demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, on and off the field,” Anderson said. “They are not only great players but great people, and they embody everything that Collingwood stands for—resilience, teamwork, and a fierce desire to win. We are thrilled to have them both locked in for the next two years, and we believe they will play an integral role in our plans moving forward.”
Coach Craig McRae also weighed in on the contract extensions, emphasizing the importance of having key players like Harrison and DeMattia locked in for the future.
“We’re excited about the next chapter for both Dylan and Tom,” McRae said. “They are both incredibly driven and have shown a willingness to learn and grow each season. Their commitment to the club is a reflection of the hard work and development that they’ve put in, and we’re confident that they will continue to be central figures in our team for years to come.”
Fans’ Reactions and Media Coverage
The reaction from Collingwood fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to express their excitement about the club securing the two players for the foreseeable future. Supporters see this move as a sign of Collingwood’s ambition and its intent to maintain its competitive edge in the AFL.
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support from fans, who praised the club for securing the futures of two of its brightest young stars. Fans are optimistic that with Harrison and DeMattia continuing to improve, Collingwood will be well-positioned to challenge for the AFL premiership in the coming years.
In the media, the contract extensions were seen as a testament to Collingwood’s player retention strategy, and many pundits predicted that the club would remain a serious contender in the AFL’s top tier. Industry experts have highlighted the importance of retaining key players who are not only talented but also fit into the club’s long-term vision. The contracts are also a reflection of the positive culture that McRae has worked to foster at Collingwood since taking over as coach.
Looking Ahead
With the extensions of Harrison and DeMattia, Collingwood has successfully locked in two of its most promising players, ensuring they will remain at the club for the next two years. Both players have made significant strides in their careers, and their continued development under the guidance of McRae and his coaching staff will be critical to Collingwood’s success.
As the AFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Magpies continue to evolve, with Harrison and DeMattia playing central roles in the team’s quest for glory. For Collingwood, this is just the beginning of a new chapter—one in which continuity and stability will be key to achieving sustained success.
In the coming months, Harrison and DeMattia will no doubt continue to impress on the field, with their commitment to Collingwood serving as a shining example of what can be achieved when players, coaches, and clubs work together towards a common goal. For Collingwood’s passionate supporters, this news offers further optimism that the club is on the right path, and that its best years are yet to come.
