Rivals Beware: Collingwood Turns Its Biggest Weakness into a Formidable Strength on Draft Night, Shaking Up the Competition
As the 2025 AFL Draft unfolded, all eyes were on Collingwood Football Club as they pulled off a remarkable strategic shift that has sent shockwaves through the competition. What was once perceived as the Magpies’ greatest weakness has now been transformed into one of their biggest strengths, leaving rivals across the AFL on edge. With astute decisions and a calculated approach, Collingwood has used the draft to reshape its future, sending a clear message to its competition: the Magpies are coming for the top, and they’ve never been more dangerous.
The Context: Collingwood’s Previous Weaknesses
Heading into the 2025 AFL Draft, Collingwood was a team with a rich history and an undeniable competitive edge, yet there were several areas of concern. Despite their recent successes under coach Craig McRae, which saw the team make deep finals runs and even challenge for premierships, the Magpies’ list had notable gaps. Collingwood’s midfield, while highly effective, had begun to show signs of wear. As the team aged, the lack of a consistent, young talent pipeline to replace aging stars was becoming a glaring issue. The forward line, while potent in spurts, lacked depth and dynamism, and the club needed new talent to ensure they remained at the top of the league.
In the eyes of many, Collingwood’s biggest weakness was the lack of high-end depth in key positions, particularly in their midfield and forward lines. The club had relied heavily on established players such as Jordan De Goey and Jack Crisp to drive them forward, but there was a growing recognition that new blood was needed. Additionally, with the aging of players like Taylor Adams and the departure of a few experienced names, Collingwood’s list management was put under increasing pressure.
Yet, in a bold move that took many by surprise, Collingwood’s strategy on draft night redefined its position in the AFL landscape. In what could be regarded as a stroke of brilliance, the Magpies’ recruiters and list managers turned these perceived weaknesses into key strengths, dramatically improving their chances of future success.
The Draft Night Drama
When the 2025 AFL Draft finally arrived, there was an air of anticipation at the AAMI Park in Melbourne. Collingwood, armed with a strong draft hand, was ready to execute a masterstroke. The draft was particularly pivotal for the Magpies, as they looked to replenish their roster with youth and energy, while strategically plugging the gaps that had been visible in their previous seasons.
The early rounds of the draft were packed with tension, as Collingwood made its intentions clear with each pick. The Magpies went into the draft looking for versatile players who could contribute immediately, but also players who could develop into cornerstone pieces for the future. What followed was a series of selections that had rival clubs on edge.
In a shocking first-round move, Collingwood selected a highly-rated, explosive midfielder who had previously been on the radar of several top clubs, including perennial premiership contenders. The player, known for his burst speed, high footy IQ, and work ethic, instantly became the centerpiece of Collingwood’s draft strategy. This acquisition not only strengthened Collingwood’s midfield but added youth and dynamism to a key area where the team had been lacking in depth. This move alone was enough to send a message to the rest of the competition: Collingwood was no longer content with being a contender; they were actively addressing their weaknesses to become a dominant force in the years to come.
The Midfield Overhaul: From Weakness to Strength
For years, Collingwood’s midfield had been the backbone of their success. Players like De Goey, Adams, and Crisp have been integral to the team’s game plan, but as the AFL game continues to evolve, so too must a club’s strategy. The Magpies understood that their midfield needed a fresh injection of talent and pace to compete with the likes of Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Western Bulldogs, who boasted some of the league’s most formidable midfields.
The drafting of the young, explosive midfielder was just the beginning. Collingwood then moved to secure a highly-rated inside midfielder, a player capable of winning contested ball and providing grunt work around the stoppages. This acquisition was particularly strategic, as it gave the Magpies an extra option in their midfield rotation, allowing them to rest key players like De Goey while still maintaining a level of intensity and skill.
By the end of the draft night, Collingwood had not only secured one of the best midfield prospects in recent memory but had also built a core of young, hungry players capable of challenging for midfield supremacy in the AFL. The Magpies now have a blend of seasoned stars and promising young talents, ensuring they can remain competitive over the next decade. The midfield, once viewed as their vulnerability, has now become one of Collingwood’s biggest strengths, putting them in the conversation as one of the best-equipped teams in the league.
The Forward Line Revival: A Dangerous Proposition
Collingwood’s forward line was another area that required a boost. While the team had some exciting talent in the likes of Brody Mihocek and Jack Ginnivan, there was a lack of depth and consistent performers who could turn a game on its head. Collingwood’s recruitment team, however, was determined to make a statement.
The Magpies’ strategy was to add players capable of impacting the forward line immediately. Their second-round draft pick was used to select a promising key forward, a player known for his agility, marking ability, and goal sense. This selection addressed Collingwood’s need for a dangerous target up front, someone who could take the pressure off Mihocek and provide an alternative option in the forward half.
In addition to their key forward, Collingwood also secured a highly-rated small forward in the later rounds, someone with speed, high-pressure tactics, and an innate ability to create scoring opportunities. The acquisition of this small forward not only added depth but also provided Collingwood with a dynamic duo capable of breaking games open in tight situations.
With these additions, Collingwood’s forward line became much more potent and unpredictable. The team now had the flexibility to adapt to different match situations, with key targets, small forwards, and midfielders all able to rotate through the forward line to create scoring opportunities. Collingwood’s forward line, once seen as a potential weakness, was now looking like a formidable weapon, one that would challenge the opposition with its balance, pace, and firepower.
A Stronger Defensive Unit: Shoring Up the Backline
While much of the focus was on Collingwood’s midfield and forward line, the club didn’t neglect the other areas of their list. Their defensive unit, while solid, had been subject to criticism for its lack of depth and reliability at times. Collingwood’s list managers knew that in order to mount a serious premiership challenge, they needed a more robust defense, capable of stopping the best attacking units in the competition.
The Magpies used their later picks to draft a highly-rated young defender with exceptional intercept marking and the ability to read the play. This acquisition further bolstered their backline and provided another key piece for Collingwood’s defensive structure. In addition, the club added a versatile defender who could provide depth in the backline, with the ability to play on small and medium-sized forwards, offering even more flexibility.
By addressing both the midfield and forward line while also enhancing their defense, Collingwood had created a well-rounded, balanced squad. The result? A team that is ready to compete for a premiership in the near future, with every position solidified and future success assured.
A Message to the Competition
When draft night came to a close, Collingwood had achieved what many thought was impossible. They had turned their perceived weaknesses into strengths, and in doing so, they had reshaped the landscape of the competition. Rivals across the AFL were left to contemplate how they would cope with the reworked Magpies, a team that now boasted one of the most formidable midfields, forward lines, and defenses in the league.
Collingwood’s draft haul was a direct message to the competition: they were no longer just a contender; they were a genuine premiership threat. Their impressive list management and calculated acquisitions had set them up for sustained success, with a young core of talent ready to make an impact immediately.
For Collingwood fans, the excitement is palpable. The club, which had been knocking on the door of a premiership for several years, now looks set to take the next step and challenge for the ultimate prize. The Magpies have a squad capable of not only competing in the short term but thriving for many years to come.
Conclusion: The Magpies’ Future is Now
As rivals across the competition recalibrate their strategies, Collingwood stands as a force to be reckoned with. The 2025 AFL Draft may well be remembered as a defining moment in the club’s history, a night when weaknesses were turned into strengths, and the Magpies laid the foundation for what could be a golden era.
With a balanced and formidable list, Collingwood is poised for sustained success. As the competition braces for the impact of the Magpies’ revamped squad, one thing is clear: Collingwood has emerged from the draft stronger than ever, and the AFL is now on notice.
Rivals beware. The Magpies are coming.
