The 2025 Smithy’s VFL season kicks off this weekend, with Collingwood gearing up for a big year.
Despite a tough season in 2024 that wielded four wins, the VFL program fostered development for countless players, as well as allowing promotions onto AFL lists for Jack Hutchinson (West Coast) and the Pies’ very own Ned Long.
With hopes of a more stable year this time around, the Pies’ program have forged hard over the off-season to build a strong VFL list to complement the talent at AFL level that will filter through the team.
With the season opener against the Sydney Swans just around the corner, here are all your questions answered ahead of 2025.
Who’s on the list?
There has been significant list turnover throughout the off-season, with a host of big names set to don the black and white in 2025. Former North Melbourne forward Curtis Taylor signed on in December, following 68 games at AFL level. Joining him for his first season in Magpies colours is former Fremantle Docker Brady Grey, who has joined the Club as its Indigenous Player Development Manager. Both will add invaluable experience to a young AFL list, alongside small forward Josh Bennetts, who joins after two seasons on Hawthorn’s rookie list.
2024 Co-Captain Campbell Lane won’t return this season after retiring from the VFL after 91 games. Serving the black and white for nine years, Lane will be missed as a quality leader and uncompromising midfielder. Fellow leadership members Jedd Longmire and Kaden Schreiber have also moved on, heading to Werribee and the Northern Bullants respectively.
Ins: Curtis Taylor, Brady Grey, Josh Bennetts, Josh Tovey, Remy Maclean, Ryan Eyre, Ben De Bolfo, Max Mahoney, Zane Cochrane, Michael Kiraly, Liam Hude, Riley Mason, Ned Byrne, Josh Murphy, Lachlan Batchelor, Zane Cochrane, Josh Browne
Outs: Campbell Lane, Jedd Longmire, Kaden Schreiber, Harry Flynn, Yu Yu Ashwin, Jonathan Tomasiello, Ryan Sparkes, Jack Hutchinson, Ned Long, Ben Crocker, Josh Mathey, Ben Silvagni, Rye Penny, Liam Purcell, Nicky Christian, Patrick Farrant, Jett Hartman
How’s the fixture looking?
The Pies will kick off their season with a home game against the Sydney Swans at Victoria Park, before they enjoy their first bye of the season in Round 2.
A somewhat disjointed start to the season is characterised by another bye a fortnight later – this time a league-wide one during the AFL’s Gather Round, before the Pies travel to Brisbane for the now traditional Good Friday clash against the Lions on April 18.
The Pies will travel to Queensland twice more in the second half of the season to play Southport and the Gold Coast SUNS, part of a road trip style finish the season that includes games in Geelong and Frankston.
Victoria Park will get frequent use in the first half of the season, with all of the Pies’ home games up until Round 11 at the Club’s traditional home.
With 18 matches to play throughout 21 rounds, the Pies will get plenty of time to reset throughout the year as they look to climb the ladder in 2025.
What about the coaching structure?
Andy Otten will serve as head coach in 2025, taking over from Josh Fraser who has held the reins over the past two years. Joining the Club in 2022, Otten has sat in Fraser’s coaching group throughout that time and will lead his own side for this first time this year.
Fraser will remain at the Club as its Head of Development, however will not hold a match day role with the VFL program. Chloe Macmillan stays on as an assistant coach, while former Pie Lynden Dunn has joined as an assistant coach, alongside Steve Grace.
How can I stay up to date?
All VFL matches are streamed live and free via AFL.com.au, while select games will be shown on Channel 7 on Saturday nights.
Match reports, highlights and exclusive content can be found via Collingwood’s website and on the Club’s VFL Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) channels.
