Collingwood recruiting manager Derek Hine is extremely pleased with the variety of talent secured during the 2020 NAB AFL Draft on Wednesday evening.

“I suppose going into the draft we had a goal of trying to get as many picks inside 40 as we could,” Hine told collingwoodfc.com.au.

Hine mentioned that the draft strategy was highly focused around securing the club’s Next Generation Academy prospect, Reef McInnes who was selected with pick 23.

“We had two plans pre-Reef and post-Reef,” Hine said.

“We tried to look at clusters within the group as this draft was like no other.”

 “We were really concerned a bid might come initially with Essendon and then Adelaide had indicated they had a strong interest as well. Once Adelaide didn’t bid on Reef, the draft really did open up for us then.”

Taken with the Magpies first selection with pick 17 was medium utility Oliver Henry from the Geelong Falcons. He was shortly followed by Oakleigh Charger Finlay Macrae who was selected with pick 19.

“Ollie Henry was rated really highly of us in terms of what he can offer in flexibility, aerially and he’s proven to be able to work at both ends of the ground and has an exceptional character.  

“Finlay McCrae, he adds something different to that particular group of boys coming in. He can play both inside and outside, probably more suited at this time to the wing who’s an outstanding talent and an outstanding young man. If he’s half as good as his brother, we’ll be more than happy.”

The Pies also secured two interstate selections in Caleb Poulter (Pick 30) and Beau McCreery (Pick 44). 

A balanced midfielder and forward, Poutler hails from Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL while McCreery is a forward from the South Adelaide Football Club. 

“A young fellar from the Eagles, Caleb Poulter is (around) 190cm, has demonstrated ability to play wing, mid and forward. He’s very strong aerially, left-footer and an elite kick.”

“Beau McCreery is a 19-year-old boy who’s been playing senior footy for South Adelaide. He’s a pressure forward, sees the game really well in the front half.”

Lastly, Liam McMahon was selected at pick 31 as a key forward from the Northern Knights.

“Bringing in Liam McMahon who’s a 196cm key forward, key back, really athletic young boy. Unique speed for someone his size.”

Finally, the Pies wrapped up the draft period securing rookies Jack Ginnivan from the Bendigo Pioneers and Isaac Chugg from Launceston on Thursday.

“Hopeful that we’ve brought a spread of players that have got that real hunger and real character to be able to attack the program and we’ve very confident of that.”