Three of Collingwood’s emerging young talents Jack Ginnivan, Charlie Dean and Aiden Begg have signed new deals with the club.
The trio are all rookies on the club’s AFL list.
Ginnivan, 19, and Dean, 20, have signed two-year deals that will see them in the black and white until the end of 2024. Whilst Begg, 19, has signed a one-year extension.
Since his round 19 debut against Port Adelaide last year, Ginnivan has gone on to play eight games as a small forward and kicked ten goals.
Dean and Begg, drafted in 2021 as rookies, have shown promise in their first year in the program.
A round one prospect, Dean’s start to his debut season was put on hold due to a foot injury. The defender is likely to be available in round nine or 10.
Begg continues to gain confidence in Collingwood’s VFL side. The ruck amassed 26-hit-outs, eight clearances and seven disposals in round one.
This year Collingwood has debuted two players in Nick Daicos and Reef McInnes. A further eight players, including Dean and Begg, are pushing for their AFL opportunity.
Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said today’s re-signings reaffirms the club’s long-term strategy.
“We are pleased to offer Jack, Charlie and Aiden further opportunity at the club,” Wright said.
“Jack has played a really important role for us in the backend of last year and in the early rounds this year. He’s a talented ball winner who has improved his fitness over the summer and has reaped the rewards by maintaining his place in the side for the first three weeks.
“Aiden was picked up in the mid-season draft last year and had a shoulder reconstruction before he joined us but was also another affected by the 2020 COVID shutdown of the NAB competition.
“Aiden has great size, athleticism and competes well for a young ruck/key position player, we’re excited about where he could go with hard work and a great attitude.
“Charlie unfortunately was tracking to play round one but had a crack in a foot bone that required surgery. He impressed in the VFL last year for Williamstown and has been nothing but impressive in his short time here with us.
“Over the past 18 months, 11 players have made their AFL debut with the club. Dean and Begg are a part of a larger group of eight or so players who are pushing for selection.
“We envisage these boys will be the foundation of the side for the next decade.”