For the first time since 2022, they showed restraint and held on to their future first rounds, and can begin 2026 with that choice and their 2027 first-rounder intact.
Holding on to one’s picks is rarely a sexy storyline in the media or even among fan bases with voracious appetites for known players over the unknown, for players over picks.
Hawthorn refused to meet Essendon’s exorbitant price for skipper Zach Merrett.Credit: AFL Photos
Every October, we’re told how particular clubs “have to do something to improve their list” and that they “didn’t do anything to get better”. In Hawthorn’s case, at least there’s been recognition that the price Essendon demanded for Merrett was exorbitant and that missing him wasn’t disastrous.
I would venture that, whereas Collingwood have been condemned for an inability to improve their list and strike while the iron was at least lukewarm, the preservation of first-round draft choices was paramount.
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The underlying issue with Collingwood’s playing list is not that they are too old, per se. Teams can turn from old to callow in a matter of two post-seasons, as the veterans are shuffled off and replaced by teenagers. See Richmond.
Rather, the problem is that they don’t have enough elite young talent. While they have kids with some talent, who seldom play, you’d need a NASA telescope to find a probable A grader under 22 (Nick Daicos excepted). Note that the Lions had eight players 22 and under in their grand final side.
Collingwood’s absence from the 2024 national draft top-30 selections was poor planning, considering the depth of quality in that draft and their list profile. Had they held on to their first two rounds – and added another 20s pick for John Noble – they would be further advanced in the list regeneration that was kicked down the road.
The way in which trades are graded by media and desperate fans is governed by a false assumption that doing something – ie, acquiring a mature player from another club, or offloading a seasoned player for picks – is better than doing nothing (I’m not innocent of this blunder either).
Was landing Houston the coup that it was cracked up to be this time last year? No. Houston struggled to reach his Port Adelaide heights, and was hurt by Josh Daicos’ relocation to half-back. Collingwood must hope that, like Schultz, Houston will adjust to the program/game style in year two.
Collingwood needed draft capital far more than they needed Simpkin, who is not a difference-making midfielder; that they put the toe in the water of trading Jordan De Goey was another measure of the list’s need for replenishing.
Sydney have paid a hefty premium for Charlie Curnow, betting the Harbour Bridge on Charlie’s knee and on their own ability to contend with him. The risk is more justified if the player, like Curnow – or Christian Petracca – is potentially transformational.
The downside of trading out future picks is considerable, and Collingwood have been a repeat offender. Their successes on the field – and in nailing bargain recruits like Jack Crisp and Darcy Cameron – do not gainsay that those future pick trades were imprudent.
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To have their 2026 and 2027 first round is crucial, not just for the sake of young talent, but also if they wish to be at the starters’ gate for the likes of Ben King, Zak Butters and other quality players.
Trading for B graders, at the cost of first-round picks, can be understood as the inverse of Hawthorn coaching legend John “Kanga” Kennedy’s famed exhortation, “Don’t think, do.”
Think, don’t do.
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