End of an era at Pies as delistings start

Collingwood’s major list shake-up is beginning to take shape, with the Brown brothers – Tyler and Callum – among four delistings on Tuesday.

The Magpies’ brilliant first season under coach Craig McRae ended on Saturday in a heartbreaking one-point defeat to Sydney at the SCG but they promise to look very different in 2023.

Joining the Browns in being cut were Isaac Chugg and Liam McMahon.

Those decisions leave restricted free agent Jordan De Goey, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Ollie Henry, Will Kelly, Jack Madgen, Tom Wilson and Caleb Poulter as the only players with their futures undecided.

De Goey’s contract situation has rarely been out of the headlines in the past 12 months but he is tipped to remain in black and white on a four-year deal but St Kilda retains significant interest.

Henry fell out of favour late in the season and is weighing up whether to join his brother Jack at Geelong, which is preparing to play in Saturday’s grand final against Sydney.

Collingwood will be a major player in this year’s trade period, with million-dollar ruckman Brodie Grundy poised to cross to Melbourne in a salary cap-driven move.

The Pies are also set to bring in Bobby Hill, Billy Frampton and Daniel McStay, plus potentially Brayden Fiorini and Sam Hayes.

Of the delisted quartet, Callum Brown played 70 games, while younger brother Tyler appeared 27 times at AFL level after a season-ending shoulder injury last year then a fatigue-related illness in 2022.

Chugg played two matches but McMahon wasn’t selected in the senior side during his two seasons at the club.

Collingwood’s head of football Graham Wright said it was a “tough” time of year.

“For Isaac and Liam, they are two players who have always done the team thing and we thank them for their dedication to our club,” Wright said.

“Callum and Tyler – sons of premiership player Gavin Brown – we could not be prouder of their professionalism and the positive influence they have had on their peers during their time at the club.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish each player all the very best for their futures and we hope they continue to develop their games and work towards reaching their football potential.”