Collingwood Football Club has announced that players Charlie Dean, Ned Long, Reef McInnes, and Lachie Sullivan have re-signed with the club, solidifying their positions for the upcoming 2025 season. Each player has secured a one-year contract extension, affirming their commitment to the iconic black and white until the end of next year. This move highlights Collingwood’s confidence in its roster and focus on continuity as it builds a competitive team.
Charlie Dean, initially selected as the second pick in the 2021 AFL Rookie Draft, returned to play this season after overcoming a foot injury that had him on the AFL’s Inactive List. Since his debut, Dean has made eight appearances at the AFL level, showcasing his potential in the backline. Ned Long, who joined the senior team mid-season after proving himself in Collingwood’s VFL program, has become a consistent presence, missing only one game since his debut in Round 17 against Essendon.
Reef McInnes, a versatile forward picked up in the 2020 AFL National Draft, has played 20 AFL games and scored 19 goals. His steady contributions in the forward line demonstrate his growth and potential impact in future games. Meanwhile, Lachie Sullivan, who joined the team through this year’s Supplementary Selection Period, made an impressive debut by scoring a goal with his first AFL kick in Round Eight against Carlton. At 27, Sullivan has played ten games, bringing experience and energy to the squad.
In additional roster updates, Collingwood announced that Ash Johnson and Oleg Markov have been delisted, with the club planning to re-list them through the AFL Rookie Draft in November. Johnson, recognized as Collingwood’s 18th First Nations player, debuted for the club in 2022, while Markov, a seasoned defender who joined in February 2023, was part of Collingwood’s Premiership-winning side. Markov’s experience across three AFL clubs has enriched the team’s defense.
Collingwood’s Head of Football Strategy, Justin Leppitsch, expressed pride in the re-signings, noting the resilience and determination shown by Dean, Long, McInnes, and Sullivan. He commended their contributions to both the AFL and VFL programs, emphasizing the club’s anticipation for their continued growth. The club’s strategic moves in retaining and nurturing talent demonstrate Collingwood’s commitment to fostering a resilient and cohesive team ahead of the 2025 season.