The 2024 VFL season is upon us, with the Pies set to take on Sandringham in their opening game of the year this Friday night.

After finishing eighth last year following an Elimination Final loss at the hands of Williamstown, many of the side’s leaders have driven the group throughout pre-season as they look to improve on 2023.

Bolstered by an ever improving and hardworking AFL list, the VFL side are intent on climbing the ladder in 2024.

Ahead of our 18-game home and away season, here’s all you need to know about the VFL in 2024.

Who’s on our list?

There has been some significant list turnover throughout the 2023 off-season, with some experienced names both departing and joining the Club.

Last year’s Co-Captains Lachlan Tardrew and Campbell Hustwaite have both departed the Club after several years of great service. Tardrew has retired from the VFL and will play for home club Sandhurst in 2024, while Hustwaite has signed for the Casey Demons following a summer trialling for an SSP spot on the Club’s AFL list.

A Magpie favourite, Ben Crocker has returned to the Club after four seasons away at both AFL and VFL level and will be a crucial leader for the young VFL list. Alongside him, former Hawthorn midfielder Ned Long has signed on for 2024. At just 20 years of age, the powerful mid will offer great x-factor through the centre of the ground.

A core group of leaders from the 2023 season have also remained, with Campbell Lane, Sam Glover, Kaden Schreiber, Jedd Longmire and Tom Wilson all re-committing for 2024. There will also be key a new group of players, with the likes of Jack Hutchinson, Ryan Sparkes, Harrison Kennedy and Cooper Macdonald all exciting additions to the list.

As always, the VFL side will be strongly supported by those on the AFL-list who are not selected each week. A key theme for the year, as it was in 2023, will be the AFL-listed players playing above the standard of VFL, not only pushing those in the senior side, but lifting the performances of those around them too.

2024 VFL list: Yu Yu Ashwin, Sam Glover, Campbell Lane, Jedd Longmire, Chad Mulvogue, Liam Purcell, Kaden Schreiber, Tom Wilson, Harry Flynn, Rye Penny, Ben Silvagni, Jonathan Tomasiello, Ben Crocker, Boston Dowling, Ned Long, Jack Hutchinson, Harrison Kennedy, Cooper MacDonald, Matt O’Brien, Ryan Sparkes, Connor Willis, Angus Seivers, Sam Sofronidis, Jett Hartman, Josh Mathey, Patrick Farrant, Nicky Christian

DEPARTING: Viv Blackmore-Moore (Banyule), Jacob Booth (Diamond Creek), Ed Delany (retired), Jake Long (retired), Cobi Maxted (Sandhurst), Jovan Petric (Williamstown), Jack Raines (interstate), Lachie Tardrew (retired – Sandhurst), Campbell Hustwaite (Casey Demons), Neville Jetta (retired), Josh Eyre (AFL promotion), Riley Voulanas, Zac Greeves.

Who are the leaders?

With both of last year’s captains in Lachie Tardrew and Campbell Hustwaite departing the Club over the off-season, the leadership group will have a new flavour in 2024.

Campbell Lane and Sam Glover will take the reigns as Co-Captains for the 2024 seasons and years in the leadership group.

Lane, a hybrid player through the midfield and defence, will lead by actions as one of team’s most courageous and experienced players, while Glover’s versatility at either end of the ground holds him in high regard.

How about the coaches?

Josh Fraser will coach the team for a second year and will be well supported by a strong group of assistants.

Andy Otten, Neville Jetta, Chloe McMillan and Harmit Singh will all support as assistant coaches.

On field, Ben Crocker and Tom Wilson will assume the role of development leaders.

What’s our fixture like?

While the Pies face four away games in a row to open the season, there are many blockbuster match ups scheduled for the first half of the season. A clash with Sandringham will open the season, before a trip to Brisbane for a Good Friday fixture against the Lions.

Round Five will see the Pies host Essendon at Victoria Park in their first home game of the year, while they will travel to Southport the following week in what will be the Magpies’ first ever game at the Sharks’ home ground.

Dates and venues for all of the Pies’ game from Rounds 14-21 will be confirmed later in the season.

The Pies’ full fixture breakdown can be viewed here.

How can I watch and attend?

You can watch every game live and free on afl.com.au and the AFL Live Official App, with select games to be aired live on Channel 7 I with the Pies’ first their Round Three match against Carlton.

Entry is free to all VFL games, except for AFL double headers, so there is plenty of opportunity to see the team in action.

How do I stay connected?

For all the latest news, scores, and highlights, follow Collingwood’s VFL handles on Twitter and Instagram.  

Match reports, weekly updates and video content can also be found on the Club’s website.