Collingwood’s aggressive off-season plans have come with a loud message.
“Players, not picks” encapsulated Collingwood coach Craig McRae’s approach as the 2024 AFL Trade and Free Agency period began, and he was serious about it.
After successfully securing former GWS utility Harry Perryman, who chose Collingwood over Port Adelaide, Hawthorn, and the Giants, the focus shifted to two-time All-Australian Dan Houston, eager to return to Victoria. Despite having three years left on his contract, Houston expressed his desire not to return to the Power.
McRae and his staff recognized the need for reinforcements in the half-back line, especially with John Noble likely leaving. Last Tuesday, Justin Leppitsch, in his first year overseeing the club’s list management, executed a major three-club, five-player trade.
Collingwood parted ways with Noble (to Gold Coast), Joe Richards (to Port Adelaide), and their future first-round pick, signaling their commitment to contending for a premiership in 2025.
Fans of the Magpies are generally pleased with the new signings, hoping they will help the team return to the top of the ladder.
So, what do Houston and Perryman bring to Collingwood? Their combination could help the Magpies re-establish themselves as a premiership contender, thanks to a distinct offseason strategy.
Both players are experienced talents capable of filling various roles. Throughout 2024, McRae faced selection challenges due to injuries, often relying heavily on the Daicos brothers, Jack Crisp, and Scott Pendlebury in the absence of Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell. Despite being a runner-up for the Brownlow Medal, Nick Daicos found himself overworked, often shouldering the team’s responsibilities.
Now, with a broader array of top-tier talent, Perryman is expected to take on some midfield duties to alleviate pressure on the existing stars. Previously, at GWS, he was utilized in multiple positions but rarely played in the center due to a crowded midfield lineup.
Perryman’s versatility will give the Daicos brothers more freedom on game day, and the coaching staff can trust him to perform in critical situations. The 26-year-old can be deployed wherever McRae needs, functioning as a reliable “Mr. Fix It.”
Houston is seen as an upgrade over Noble, evidenced by his two All-Australian selections. “I see my best footy as that high half-back,” Houston stated on SEN shortly after his trade.
“I prefer to play aggressively and higher up the field than most. Talking with Fly, he’s a coach who likes to shift players to different roles compared to others. I excel at half-back, but I’m happy to move into the middle or onto a wing if it allows someone like Nick to play half-back.”
As a former Power defender, Houston will enhance Collingwood’s objective of quickly transitioning the ball from defense, utilizing his boldness and precise kicking to disrupt the opposition’s setup.
McRae has emphasized the importance of players being adaptable in their roles, and moving Houston further up the ground could enable Josh Daicos to revert to the half-back position, a strategy seen during the 2024 season.
Provided the team achieves full fitness, the Magpies are set for another premiership challenge, especially after struggling with injuries to key players last season. Adding proven talents in their prime not only raises the overall standards and training environment but also increases Collingwood’s potential on the field.
McRae is also aiming to secure one key defender, while they have been evaluating Billy Frampton and Charlie Dean positively. Tim Membrey has been identified as a target to strengthen the forward line. Overall, the Magpies have positioned themselves as having a strong blend of talent across the competition.
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