As they move on to the next chapters of their lives, they will always remain a part of Collingwood’s storied legacy.
In a bittersweet moment for Collingwood
Football Club fans, two significant roster
changes have occurred, marking the end
of one chapter and the beginning of
another. Jay Rantall has been delisted,
while veteran Josh Thomas has
announced his retirement after an
impressive 123-game career with the
Pies. Both players have made important
contributions to the club, and their
departures signal a shifting dynamic for
the Magpies as they look ahead to future
success.
Jay Rantall’s Delisting: A Fresh Start for a Young Talent.
Jay Rantall’s delisting marks a tough end
to what was a promising start to his AFL
journey. Drafted by Collingwood in the
2020 AFL Draft, Rantall was widely
regarded as a talented midfielder with
strong athleticism and a natural ability to
win contested ball. However, after
playing just 12 senior games across his
tenure at the club, his potential did not
fully materialize as expected.
Rantall had the work ethic and physical
attributes to thrive at AFL level, but
breaking into the Pies’ midfield – already
packed with established stars – proved to
be a significant challenge. Despite his
best efforts in training and his
contributions at VFL level, opportunities
in the senior side were limited. As a
result, Collingwood has made the
difficult decision to part ways with the
young midfielder.
For Rantall, the delisting represents a
new beginning. While his time at
Collingwood may not have been as
fruitful as he had hoped, it doesn’t
necessarily mark the end of his AFL
career. Many players have found new
opportunities with different clubs after
being delisted, and Rantall’s raw talent
and work ethic could attract interest
from other teams in need of depth in
their midfield. Whether he continues his
journey at another club or explores
different career paths, his time at
Collingwood has been a valuable
learning experience.
Josh Thomas: A Storied Career Comes to a Close.
While Rantall’s delisting is a part of the
club’s long-term plans, the retirement of
Josh Thomas is an emotional farewell to
a player who has played a significant
role in Collingwood’s recent history.
Thomas, known for his perseverance,
consistency, and ability to contribute in
crucial moments, has been an integral
part of the Pies’ lineup since making his
debut in 2012.
Over the course of his 123-game career,
Thomas established himself as a reliable
forward and small midfielder, often
playing a key role in the team’s structure,
whether it was kicking a timely goal or
applying pressure in the forward half.
His ability to read the game and make
smart decisions under pressure made
him a valuable asset, and despite battling
injuries throughout his career, Thomas
always gave his best for the club.
His final game in the black and white
stripes will be remembered fondly by
fans and teammates alike. Thomas was a
member of the team that reached the
2018 AFL Grand Final, a career highlight
that stands out in his 123-game journey.
His decision to retire comes after
considering the long-term impact on his
body and his desire to leave the game at
a time when he could still look back on
his career with pride.
Collingwood has expressed deep
appreciation for Thomas’ contribution to
the club, highlighting his
professionalism, leadership, and
commitment to the team. The Pies’
forward line will undoubtedly feel the
absence of his experience and
adaptability, but Thomas’ legacy will live
on, especially in the hearts of loyal fans
who admired his resilience.
What Lies Ahead for the Pies?
As Collingwood navigates these
transitions, both Rantall’s delisting and
Thomas’ retirement serve as reminders
of the ever-changing nature of AFL lists.
For the club, these decisions are part of a
broader strategy to refresh the roster
and create opportunities for younger
talent to step up. The Pies’ recruitment
team will likely be focused on adding
depth and talent to bolster their squad
for the future, with a strong emphasis on
finding players who can make an
immediate impact.
In terms of leadership and experience,
Thomas’ departure leaves a noticeable
gap, but the club will look to its senior
players to guide the younger generation.
With an eye on the upcoming seasons,
Collingwood fans can expect to see new
faces emerge and take on larger roles
within the team.
The end of the road for these two players
may be emotional, but it also signals
exciting times ahead for Collingwood.
Both Rantall and Thomas leave behind a
legacy that has been defined by hard
work, dedication, and a commitment to
the club. As they embark on the next
stages of their lives, they will forever be
part of Collingwood’s rich history.
