AFL lifeline to be awarded to former Essendon forward preferred by Collingwood SSP hopefuls
After a year with the Magpies’ VFL side, former Bomber Joshua Eyre has emerged as a likely new addition to Collingwood’s senior list after trialling as a key defender. Eyre is one of three former AFL-listed players training at Olympic Park. Eyre pushed for a list spot at St Kilda last pre-season but lost out to duo Liam Stocker and Anthony Caminiti. The former Essendon key forward is the favorite to make Collingwood’s crop of Supplemental Selection Period hopefuls.
Under Craig McRae, the forward-turned-defender has been one of the best train-on prospects this summer as the Magpies search for the next Oleg Markov.
Six SSP players have participated in the reigning premiers’ pre-season program since December, with three list spots up for grabs for the upcoming season.
In the race for a list spot before the February 19 signing deadline are Eyre, former St Kilda midfielder Jack Bytel, former Port Adelaide tall Brynn Teakle, local footballer Sam Sofronidis, VFL star Lachie Sullivan, and Collingwood VFL captain Campbell Hustwaite.
Eyre, who is 21 years old, is considered to be one of the most promising train-on players for Collingwood. He is “in the box seat” for a second chance in the AFL based on his performance in match simulation, fitness, and drills.
As AFL Daily reported on Tuesday, “I think Josh Eyre is in the box seat to get the spot,” said Josh Gabelich, a reporter for AFL.com.au.
“He participated in the VFL program the previous year. Last Friday during match practice, Lachie Sullivan was dominant.
It’s a very constructive rivalry. It seems like it will come down to the wire.”
Eyre would strengthen Collingwood’s defensive core, which was already concerned about the status of premiership back Nathan Murphy before his recent clearance from a concussion panel.
After sustaining his tenth concussion during the grand final of the previous year, the Magpies’ goalie has been given the all-clear to resume his career.
In addition, Collingwood has uncapped back Charlie Dean as a depth option to assist captain Darcy Moore on the final line.
Teakle is capable of playing a crucial position role on all three lines of the field, while Sofronidis shapes as a smaller intercepting defender.
Following the departure of veteran midfielder Taylor Adams to Sydney during the recent off-season, Bytel, Sullivan, and Hustwaite could all be considered potential replacements for Adams.
Two SSP additions are likely as Collingwood is expected to hold at least one spot open and keep injured key forward Dan McStay off the inactive list.
AFL clubs have until February 15th to incorporate SSP talent training into their program; four days later is the signing deadline.
Just over a week remains before the deadline for Richmond and Fremantle to list their train-on players, while Gold Coast and North Melbourne appear unlikely to fill list vacancies and will likely reserve their spots for the Mid-Season Draft.
