Four new faces on the field will add to a rejuvenated Collingwood VFL program next season.

The VFL Magpies have signed Michael Chippendale, Stephen Tahana, Matt La Fontaine and Campbell Lane as they prepare for a 2017 campaign under new coach Jared Rivers.

The four new Magpies add to the signature of former Hawthorn midfielder and 2014 Liston Trophy winner Alex Woodward who signed with the club in early December.

A further 10 existing players have reaffirmed their commitment, totalling 15 signed players before the Christmas-New Year’s break.

Outgoing VFL General Manager Luke Gatti is pleased with the position of the club at the midway point of the pre-season.

“To keep a large portion of the group together and add in some quality talent before Christmas is fantastic,” Gatti told Collingwood Media.

“We’ll be strategic in the way we approach reaching our full list of 24 contracted players.”

Gatti had the following to say on the four new players who will now call the Holden Centre home...

Michael Chippendale
Position: Key defender
Date of Birth: 22/6/1992
Height: 190cm
Weight: 85cm
Previous club: Norwood (SANFL)

“Michael is a premiership player who has played 70 SANFL games at Norwood. His unique combination of strength and speed allows him to either as a tall or small defender.

Michael is powerful in the air, a good intercept mark, and an impressive user of the football. Beyond his physical attributes, he brings valuable state-league experience and an element of leadership to our group.

“He’s a pleasure to have on board and we look forward to seeing him combine with the likes of Jordan Kelly and Ryan Pendlebury in the backline.”



Chippendale competes against a Port Adelaide Magpies opponent during the 2016 season. Photo: AFL Photos.

Stephen Tahana
Position: Half back/wing
Date of Birth: 2/2/1997
Height: 182cm
Weight: 72kg
Previous club: North Adelaide (SANFL)

“Stephen was a member of the AFL Academy in 2015 and has played SANFL football with North Adelaide over the last three seasons at league and reserves level.

Stephen brings elite speed and dash as a half-back or wing option. We’re excited to see what Stephen can bring to the club and areas of his game we can work with him to continue to improve.”



Tahana was unlucky to miss out on a National Draft selection after testing well at this year's Etihad Stadium combine. Photo: AFL Photos.

Matt La Fontaine
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: 27/7/1998
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
Previous club: Dandenong Stingrays (TAC Cup)

“Matt comes out of the TAC Cup after playing 18 games for the Dandenong Stingrays in 2016.

We’ve been really impressed with Matt’s approach to training and his professionalism to date. He has a hard, mature body, and is powerful mover.

In the game simulation activities at training, he has really stood with his ball use and strong attack in the ball, contest and man.

He’ll be eligible as a 23rd player – we’re really excited about continuing to develop Matthew and his game further.”



La Fontaine played 18 games for the Dandenong Stingrays in 2016. Photo: AFL Photos.

Campbell Lane
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: 28/9/1997
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
Previous club: Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup)

“Campbell played six games for us in 2016 in order to give him a taste of VFL football and gain some exposure to heavier bodies and the quicker-paced game. He performed well during these games and was well received by the group due to his great character, personality and hard-nosed approach to football.

“We’re confident Campbell will continue to develop and give us some support through the middle of the ground as well built inside-midfielder.”



Lane during his VFL debut against Geelong at Simmonds Stadium. Photo: AFL Photos.

RE-SIGNED VFL MAGPIES
54. Jordan Collopy
55. Ryan Pendlebury
57. Ash Close
60. Jordan Kelly
61. Nick Gray
65. Lachlan Howe
66. Dale Hinkley
67. Matthew Smith
68. Lachlan Tardrew
70. Marty Hore

DEPARTED
56. Jeremy Taylor (Uni Blues – VAFA)
58. Ben Moloney (Geelong VFL)
59. Callum Matheson (relocated to Queensland)
62. Lachlan Ferguson (Collegians – VAFA)