BREAKING NEWS: Excitement fills Rogers Place as Collingwood Captain who is also the defender Darcy Moore announces I’m not going anywhere. He is set to return for the 2025-26 season after making the bold decision. Coach Craig McRae has promised to make him…see more

May 29, 2025 — Edmonton, Alberta* — In a moment that electrified both AFL fans and sports followers worldwide, Darcy Moore the inspirational captain and key defender of the Collingwood Football Club has officially confirmed that he will return for the upcoming 2025-26 AFL season ending weeks of speculation about his future.

The announcement came during a high-profile international sports summit at Rogers Place in Edmonton, where Moore made a surprise appearance on stage alongside Collingwood head coach Craig McRae. After a dramatic pause and a smile, Moore declared:

The statement instantly sparked celebration among Magpies fans across Australia and overseas. It also sent a strong message to the rest of the AFL: the heart and soul of Collingwood remains firmly in place.

Moore’s decision comes just weeks after turning down a reported **\$45 million offer** from the Western Bulldogs — a staggering deal that would have made him one of the highest-paid players in the sport’s history. But for the 29-year-old defender and captain, the money didn’t matter nearly as much as loyalty, team culture, and finishing what he started.

We’ve built something really special at Collingwood,” Moore said. “It’s more than a club — it’s a family. And I couldn’t walk away from that.”

Moore’s leadership was key in Collingwood’s 2023 Premiership victory and his influence has only grown since. Known for his poise under pressure, elegant style of play, and articulate voice off the field, he has become one of the most respected figures in the AFL.

Coach Craig McRae was full of praise for his captain’s loyalty and hinted at an even bigger leadership role for Moore heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Darcy is the cornerstone of what we’re doing at Collingwood,” McRae said. We’ve always said it’s not just about footy — it’s about values, unity, and identity. He lives those values every day.

McRae also suggested that the club is finalizing a new contract extension that will keep Moore at Collingwood until at least 2030 ensuring long-term stability.

Back in Melbourne, scenes of jubilation erupted outside the AIA Centre as fans waved flags, sang club songs, and expressed their gratitude on social media. Hashtags like DarcyStays and CollingwoodForever were trending within minutes of the announcement.

Former Collingwood greats, including Nathan Buckley and Scott Pendlebury, praised the move as a defining moment for the club’s future.

Darcy Moore just reminded us that loyalty still exists in modern sport,” Buckley said on SEN Radio. “It’s a massive win for the Pies.

With Darcy Moore confirmed for the 2025-26 season, Collingwood’s pursuit of another premiership gains powerful momentum — led by a captain who chose passion.