In recent roster decisions, the Collingwood Magpies have extended one-year contracts to four players—Reef McInnes, Lachie Sullivan, Ned Long, and Charlie Dean—while parting ways with Ash Johnson and Oleg Markov. These moves are part of the club’s strategy to reshape its list for the upcoming season.
Reef McInnes, a 21-year-old forward drafted at Pick 23 in the 2020 AFL Draft, has shown promise with 20 games under his belt. This past season, he participated in a career-high nine matches, scoring a total of 12 goals in the process. Despite a commendable start, McInnes faced challenges securing a consistent position on the senior team, also spending time in the VFL. As he heads into the next season, he faces a pivotal opportunity to solidify his role, especially with the anticipated return of Dan McStay and the potential acquisition of Tim Membrey.
Charlie Dean, who joined the Magpies via the 2021 Rookie Draft, has had a journey marked by injuries. Nevertheless, he made his AFL debut this season, culminating in eight games. Known for his defensive capabilities, Dean is looking to leverage this year’s experience to further establish himself within the team.
Lachie Sullivan, also new to the Magpies this year, showed great potential after moving from Footscray and made a solid impression with ten appearances. Similarly, Ned Long joined through the Mid-Season Draft and has already accumulated 12 games. Their performances have reflected a determination to adapt and thrive in the AFL environment, suggesting promising futures with the Magpies.
Conversely, the club has decided to delist Ash Johnson and Oleg Markov but intends to re-draft them as rookies in the upcoming draft. Markov, a premiership player with Collingwood, brings valuable experience from previous stints at Richmond and Gold Coast. Meanwhile, Johnson has contributed significantly since joining the team mid-season in 2021, playing 27 games.
Justin Leppitsch, Collingwood’s Head of Football Strategy, expressed satisfaction with the retention of the four players, acknowledging their resilience and contributions to both the AFL and VFL teams. As the club navigates these changes, they remain committed to building a competitive roster, with roster submissions due by October 31.