Sad departure: Craig McRae just passed away in a plane crash including his… more details ⬇️

Sad departure: Craig McRae just passed away in a plane crash including his… more details ⬇️

Harry Perryman, a free agent from GWS, chose the Collingwood Magpies, marking the first victory for Collingwood under coach Craig McRae’s plan of giving priority to experienced players during the off-season.

After another great AFL season, the Giants utility turned down substantial offers from both Port Adelaide and Adelaide to play for Collingwood in 2025.

Since Perryman, 25, was an unrestricted free agent, GWS was unable to match Collingwood’s offer.

After selecting Tim Taranto (Richmond) with pick 2, Will Setterfield (Carlton and Essendon) with pick 5, and Isaac Cumming (who last week decided to join Adelaide as a free agent) with pick 20, the Giants have now lost all four of their first-round selections in the 2016 draft due to the departure of the former No. 16 pick.

In a brief statement on Tuesday, the Giants announced Perryman’s decision.

“Giants defender Harry Perryman has notified the club of his choice to explore his options as an unrestricted free agent,” it said.

Over the course of eight seasons, the Riverina product played 129 games in the orange and charcoal.

Perryman has made Collingwood his preferred club.

Perryman played halfback or wing for the majority of his tenure at GWS, but it was said that he was looking for more midfield opportunities while he considered his free agency options.

The Giants may yet lose out-of-contract midfielder James Peatling in addition to having to reply to a trade request from unproven key position prospect Wade Derksen to Victoria.

With nine players over thirty heading into the upcoming season, McRae is trying to maintain Collingwood in flag contention, and Perryman matches a crucial age profile for the club.

A stronger draft hand was not something the 2022 premiership coach was interested in pursuing, he told SEN last week.