“It was a childhood dream to play for Collingwood.”

Harry Perryman is set to live that dream after signing with Collingwood this morning as the 2024 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period commenced.

Speaking to collingwoodfc.com.au, Perryman couldn’t be more excited to make the move south from the GWS GIANTS, to the club he grew up supporting.

“When the opportunity arose, it was one of those things you just wanted to grab with both hands. Here we are, I’m looking forward to the next chapter.” said Perryman.

“Me and my brothers used to grow up in the backyard with our Collingwood kits on and wanted to play on the MCG in front of big crowds.

“I obviously loved my time at the GIANTS and loved all the people there, but I’m super excited for the next chapter in my footy career and getting to the Club and meeting all the boys and earning the respect of my new teammates.”

There was plenty of interest in the 26-year-old utility across 2024 due to his free agency status, but his heart well and truly influenced his decision.

“It was a tricky little period, I had a few clubs throughout the year (who were interested) and obviously Collingwood popped up pretty late,” said Perryman.

“I was pretty focused on footy and it was going along in the background, but it was probably what my heart told me all along to play for Collingwood.

“It was a tricky decision at the time, but it was the right one for me.”

When speaking about what Collingwood fans can expect from him on the field, Perryman highlighted the way he helps others on and off the field.

“I always pride myself on being the best possible teammate and doing the team thing to make the team better and whether that’s in the midfield or down back, it’s about making sure I get my role done,” said Perryman.

“It sounds pretty boring but I’ve always prided myself on that and I’m sure I’ll commit to that over the next few years.”

Almost 14 years ago to the day, then 11-year-old Perryman was just like every other Collingwood supporter revelling in the Club’s drought breaking 2010 Premiership.

“I was pretty young when they lost those Grand Finals against the Brisbane Lions, but the 2010 Premiership – us boys as brothers were going mad at the draw and then the next week when we ended up winning we were going crazy,” said Perryman.

“Looking back it’s a bit surreal to be honest that I’m going to be wearing the black and white for the next few years.”

Perryman has an even more personal Finals experience against Collingwood, playing against the Magpies in two Preliminary Finals in front of the Magpie Army at the MCG in 2019 and 2023.

“The ‘prelims’, they were a great experience, they were definitely very loud coming up against that Collingwood army. It will be nice to be on the other side of that this time around,” said Perryman.

“It’s always great atmosphere, the crowds that the Collingwood army bring. It’s going to be pretty special running out in front of that.”