Collingwood may have stumbled in their 2024 AFL campaign, but there are reasons for optimism as the 2025 season approaches. The team has made some strategic acquisitions in Dan Houston and Harry Perryman—both of whom are poised to play pivotal roles. Houston, a 27-year-old All-Australian-caliber defender, and Perryman, a hardworking utility player, bring a combination of versatility and skill that perfectly complements Collingwood’s gameplay style. More importantly, their presence could address some of the underlying issues that plagued the Magpies last year.
One key statistic that underscores Collingwood’s potential resurgence is their ability to convert inside 50 entries into scoring opportunities. While their average number of inside 50s ranked poorly in 2024, the Magpies led the league with an astonishing 48.1% scoring efficiency from these entries. This was a feat unmatched by even the top-performing teams. Historically, efficient inside 50 conversion has been a hallmark of successful teams and grand finalists, making Collingwood’s unique situation—missing the finals despite excelling in this metric—all the more intriguing.
Houston and Perryman could be the missing pieces in resolving the Magpies’ transitional play. Houston’s ability to generate both rebound 50s and inside 50s places him in an elite category of players, while Perryman’s numbers show untapped potential. Their combined efficiency with the ball, honed in strong attacking teams like Port Adelaide and GWS, ensures Collingwood has both the skill and structure to improve their inside 50 tally. Additionally, Houston’s disposal efficiency of 82.1% and Perryman’s respectable 75.9% make them reliable assets in maintaining possession and driving forward plays.
Despite lacking a dominant key forward, Collingwood’s forward line continues to thrive, thanks to its strong structure and work rate. With the addition of Tim Membrey as a short-term target and continued excellence from Brody Mihocek, the Magpies can complement their high conversion rate with more frequent entries into the forward 50. This combination of efficiency and increased opportunities could make their attack more potent than ever, echoing their 2023 premiership form.
By adding Houston and Perryman, Collingwood not only addressed key weaknesses but also strengthened their ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly. The team’s high-scoring efficiency coupled with improved forward entries positions them as a genuine threat in 2025. If these elements align, the Magpies could reestablish themselves as one of the AFL’s premier sides and contend for another premiership.