Collingwood Football Club has announced that it will not be extending contracts for Jack Bytel, Josh Eyre, and Nathan Kreuger for the upcoming 2025 season. This decision comes as part of the club’s strategic planning as it looks ahead to the next year.
Jack Bytel and Josh Eyre joined the Pies’ senior roster earlier this year during the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. Bytel, previously with St. Kilda for five seasons, made his debut for Collingwood in Round Nine against the West Coast Eagles, contributing to the team’s efforts in a tough match. Over the season, he played in seven games at the AFL level. Eyre, who was elevated from Collingwood’s VFL team, has yet to make his debut in the AFL, spending most of the season developing his skills within the club’s second-tier program.
Nathan Kreuger, on the other hand, joined Collingwood during the 2021 AFL Trade Period from Geelong. Despite facing significant injury challenges, the 25-year-old managed to play 13 games since his debut in Round Two of 2022. His perseverance through these setbacks has been noteworthy and commendable.
Justin Leppitsch, Collingwood’s Head of Football Strategy, expressed the difficulty of such decisions at this time of year, thanking each player for their contributions to the club. He noted that while Bytel and Eyre were with the team for a limited time, their presence was valuable in both VFL and AFL settings. He also highlighted Kreuger’s commitment to his recovery and development, emphasizing the importance of resilience in professional sports.
As the club bids farewell to these players, it wishes them the best in their future endeavors, encouraging them to continue pursuing their football aspirations. The Collingwood community will surely miss their contributions as they move forward in their careers.