Collingwood has secured three exciting youngsters for season 2022 in Trent Bianco, Ash Johnson and Aiden Begg.
Bianco’s signature comes after playing his first three AFL matches, where he has averaged 14 disposals and kicked his first goal in the Round 12 win against Adelaide.
The 20-year-old midfielder was drafted with pick 45 in the 2019 National Draft. A life-long Collingwood supporter, Bianco overcame a knee injury early in the season to make his debut in Round 11 against Geelong.
Recruited earlier this month, rookies Johnson and Begg will have their contracts extended to cover the next 18 months.
Johnson was drafted with pick three in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft from Sturt after the 23-year-old forward booted 13 goals from six matches for the Double Blues.
At 197cm, Begg is a versatile tall taken with pick 18 from the Eastern Ranges. The 18-year-old is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and is scheduled to return for the 2022 season.
Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said securing some of the list’s young talent was a great investment in the future of the team.
“We’re thrilled to extend the contracts of Trent, Ash and Aiden and look forward to what they’ll bring to the program over the next 18 months,” Wright said.
“With an interrupted pre-season, we’ve been really impressed with how Trent has applied himself over the early part of the year to work towards his debut and take opportunities as they arise.
“To have seven players debut for the club so far this season, it has been exciting to see the progression of our young talent and we look forward to watching them continue to develop in years to come.”
