The Decisions Made Now Will Shape The Club’s Trajectory For Years To Come..
In a decisive move ahead of the 2024 AFL season, Collingwood has announced the delisting of three players: Jack Bytel, Josh Eyre, and Nathan Kreuger. This announcement marks a significant shift in the club’s roster as the Magpies look to fine-tune their squad in a bid to maintain their powerhouse status in the AFL.
The trio’s exit comes after careful deliberation by Collingwood’s list management team. The club, fresh off a strong season, has made it clear that they are determined to keep evolving and ensuring their list is primed for both immediate success and long-term sustainability. While these players showed promise, Collingwood believes it needs to open up opportunities for new talent or address other areas of the field to stay at the top.
Jack Bytel: Midfield Depth Cut Short.
Jack Bytel, who joined Collingwood in 2023 after being delisted by St Kilda, had hoped to reinvigorate his AFL career with the Magpies. Known for his midfield grunt work and ability to win contested possessions, Bytel played a total of six games for the Pies, often used as a depth option when injuries struck the core midfield brigade.
Despite his ability to make an impact in bursts, Bytel struggled to secure a consistent role in Collingwood’s star-studded midfield group, led by the likes of Nick Daicos and Jack Crisp. At 24, Bytel still has time on his side and will likely attract interest from other clubs looking to bolster their midfield stocks, particularly as a delisted free agent.
However, for Collingwood, the decision to part ways with Bytel suggests that they are focusing on younger midfield options or possibly eyeing further external talent in the trade or draft period.
Josh Eyre: The Developing Tall’s Journey Ends.
Josh Eyre, a developing key position player, was recruited by Collingwood in the midseason draft of 2023 after a stint with Essendon. Standing at 197cm, Eyre was viewed as a long-term project player who could potentially bolster the Magpies’ key defensive or forward stocks.
Unfortunately, despite showing glimpses of his athletic prowess in the VFL, Eyre struggled to break into the senior side during his time at the club. His departure comes as Collingwood continues to refine its key position options, with a focus on those players who are closer to being senior-ready.
Eyre’s delisting may also indicate that the Magpies are keen on investing in key position players from the upcoming draft or free agency period, rather than waiting for Eyre’s development to mature.
Nathan Kreuger: Injury-Plagued Stint Ends Prematurely.
Perhaps the most disappointing exit is that of Nathan Kreuger, a player whose potential was constantly derailed by injuries. The versatile tall, who can play at both ends of the ground, arrived at Collingwood from Geelong in 2022 with high hopes of becoming a crucial swingman for the club.
Unfortunately, Kreuger’s time at Collingwood has been marred by ongoing shoulder and knee injuries, limiting him to just 11 games over two seasons. When fit, Kreuger showed flashes of brilliance, particularly as a marking target in the forward line. However, his inability to string together consistent games ultimately sealed his fate at the club.
At 24, Kreuger is still young enough to reignite his AFL career, should his body allow it. Whether another club will take a chance on him remains to be seen, but for now, Collingwood has decided to cut ties as they look for more reliable options.
What’s Next for Collingwood?
With the delisting of Bytel, Eyre, and Kreuger, Collingwood has opened up several spots on its list ahead of the 2024 AFL draft and trade period. These moves suggest the Magpies are keeping a keen eye on fresh talent, whether through the draft or free agency, as they seek to maintain their status as one of the competition’s elite teams.
The club has been linked to several key targets, particularly in the midfield and forward line, as they look to add depth and flexibility to their squad. Additionally, these delistings could pave the way for Collingwood to secure mature-age recruits or even unearth another hidden gem from the VFL or state leagues, something the club has excelled at in recent years.
For fans, the departure of these three players might come as a surprise, but it’s a clear indication that Collingwood is unwilling to rest on its laurels. As the Magpies look to stay in premiership contention, every list spot matters, and the decisions made now will shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.
