🏉 DEAL ACCEPTED! Collingwood’s “Heart and Soul” Ruckman Signs Three-Year Extension — Locked in Until 2029
The Collingwood Football Club has officially confirmed that their “heart and soul” ruckman, who finished as runner-up in the 2024 Copeland Trophy count, has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract extension
. This landmark deal ensures the fan favourite will remain a Magpie until at least the end of the 2029 AFL season — a move that sends a strong message about the club’s commitment to stability, leadership, and on-field dominance in the years to come.
For Collingwood supporters, this announcement is more than just a contractual update — it’s a reaffirmation of the bond between a player and a club that thrives on loyalty, work ethic, and shared ambition.
—
The Deal That Secures the Magpies’ Future
According to official reports from Collingwood headquarters, negotiations progressed smoothly, with both player and club aligned on their vision for the future. The extension adds three more seasons to his existing agreement, locking him in as a central figure in the club’s structure for the remainder of the decade.
While financial terms remain undisclosed, insiders believe the deal reflects both his market value and his intangible worth to the team. His influence extends far beyond hit-outs and contested possessions — he’s a cultural leader whose presence shapes the standards of professionalism and resilience within the playing group.
“This club means everything to me,” the ruckman said in a statement following the announcement. “I’ve grown here, I’ve learnt here, and I’ve built incredible relationships with my teammates, coaches, and our amazing fans. To know I’ll be wearing the black and white until 2029 is something I’m extremely proud of.”
—
The Copeland Trophy Connection
Finishing runner-up in the 2024 Copeland Trophy — Collingwood’s highest individual honour — was a testament to his consistency, durability, and ability to influence matches across a long season. The award, which recognises the club’s best and fairest, has been won by some of the most revered names in Magpies history.
His second-place finish cemented him among the league’s elite performers in 2024, with a season that included dominant ruck displays, tireless defensive efforts, and clutch moments in big games. It also showed that his value was recognised not only by fans but also by the club’s coaching staff and match committee.
—
Why This Signing Matters
The importance of locking in a top-tier ruckman for the long term cannot be overstated. In modern AFL, a quality ruck is more than just a tall figure contesting the bounce — they are playmakers who set the tone for midfield battles, link defence to attack, and provide a reliable outlet under pressure.
For Collingwood, his retention means continuity in one of the most specialised positions on the field. It also sends a clear message to rival clubs that the Magpies are determined to keep their core intact as they chase more premiership glory.
Senior coach Craig McRae praised the re-signing, describing him as “the heartbeat of our side.” McRae added:
> “Every week he puts his body on the line, competes until the final siren, and lifts the group with his effort. He’s the kind of player every coach wants in their side — reliable, tough, and unselfish.”
—
A Career Built on Resilience and Determination
The ruckman’s journey to becoming one of Collingwood’s most important players hasn’t been without challenges. Early in his career, he battled injuries that threatened to stall his progress. Yet through disciplined rehabilitation and a relentless drive to improve, he evolved into one of the competition’s most respected big men.
His trademark is not only his physical presence in contests but also his mobility around the ground. Known for his repeat efforts, second-chance tackles, and ability to impact forward of centre, he has become the complete modern ruck.
Teammates often speak about his leadership qualities — how he takes younger players under his wing, offers advice during games, and sets a high standard at training. In an era where player movement is more frequent than ever, his decision to commit long-term resonates strongly with Collingwood’s values.
—
Impact on Team Strategy
From a tactical perspective, the club’s midfield group thrives with him directing traffic at stoppages. His ruck taps often give first use to Collingwood’s star on-ballers, allowing them to break from contests with pace and precision.
Beyond stoppages, his marking ability across the ground provides structure in defensive transition and a dangerous target when pushed forward. In 2024, he averaged career-best numbers in contested marks, a stat that often shifts momentum in tight games.
Securing his services for the next five seasons means Collingwood can build a stable midfield-ruck partnership, reducing the need to experiment in such a critical role and freeing the club to focus on other recruitment priorities.
—
Fan Reaction
It didn’t take long for Magpie supporters to erupt with excitement across social media once the news broke. Many fans described the extension as “the best signing of the year” and a “win for the jumper.” Others praised the player’s loyalty in an age where big-money offers from rival clubs can lure stars away.
For the Collingwood faithful, his commitment symbolises more than on-field performance — it reflects an emotional connection to the black and white stripes.
—
Looking Ahead to 2029
With this deal in place, the ruckman’s tenure at the club will stretch deep into the decade, giving him the chance to further etch his name into Magpies folklore. By the time the contract expires, he will have spent more than a decade in the AFL system, potentially adding more finals campaigns, All-Australian selections, or even a premiership medal to his résumé.
The challenge for him and the team now is to turn stability into silverware. Collingwood has shown in recent seasons that they have the talent to compete with the league’s best. With a proven leader in the ruck, they now have one of the key building blocks required to sustain that push.
—
A Statement of Intent from Collingwood
This signing isn’t just about one player — it’s a reflection of the club’s broader vision. By securing one of their most valuable assets well before free agency, Collingwood demonstrates proactive list management and an unwillingness to let rival clubs sniff around their core players.
It also gives younger ruck prospects in the squad the opportunity to develop under the guidance of one of the game’s best, creating a long-term succession plan without sacrificing present-day performance.
As footy pundits have noted, championships are often built on strong spines — ruck, key defenders, and key forwards. With their “heart and soul” ruckman now locked in, Collingwood’s spine is in good shape for the foreseeable future.
—
Final Word
The ink is dry, the deal is done, and Collingwood’s future looks a little more secure today than it did yesterday. In an ever-changing AFL landscape, moments like this remind fans why loyalty still matters.
For the player, it’s an opportunity to continue building a legacy in the colours he loves. For the club, it’s a declaration that they’re ready to fight for premierships with a squad built on trust, consistency, and the kind of hard-edged competitiveness that wins finals.
Collingwood’s faithful can rest easy knowing their ruck general isn’t going anywhere. And as the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain — when the first bounce of the ball echoes across the MCG, their “heart and soul” will be right there in the thick of it, ready to give everything for the jumper.