Collingwood is gearing up to address the void left by retired premiership defender Nathan Murphy, with the upcoming Mid-Season Draft offering a prime opportunity for the reigning premiers to fortify their defensive lineup. The sudden end to Murphy’s career has prompted the Magpies to consider various avenues for securing a replacement, with the option of waiting until the off-season also on the table.
In the meantime, Collingwood has found some encouraging signs in the return of Billy Frampton to Craig McRae’s squad, alongside prospects like Charlie Dean and Joshua Eyre vying for selection. Murphy’s departure adds to a string of defensive losses for the Magpies, following the exits of Tom Langdon and Jordan Roughead in previous seasons.
As the Mid-Season Draft approaches, Collingwood faces decisions on potential recruits, while keeping an eye on opportunities in the upcoming trade and free agency periods. Various prospects and players from other AFL clubs are being considered to bolster Collingwood’s backline, offering a glimpse into the team’s strategy moving forward.