COLLINGWOOD welcomed three fresh faces in the 2022 AFL Draft, recruiting players with strong upside and versatility in what was a relatively straightforward intake. We recap what the Magpies got up to, and analyse the value each new player may offer to their new club.

NATIONAL DRAFT

#19 Edward Allan (Tall Utility, Claremont/Western Australia)
#28 Jakob Ryan (Medium Defender, Glenelg/South Australia)
#48 Joe Richards (Midfielder, Wangaratta Magpies/Victoria)

ROOKIE DRAFT

#16 Cooper Murley (re-listed)

The Magpies would have been absolutely beaming with how their first two picks panned out, having been linked to round two selection Jakob Ryan with pick 19. As it happened, Ed Allan was too good to refuse once it became clear he would be available late in the first round, having been flagged as a potential top 10 bolter.

A unique utility at 194cm, the West Australian overcame stress fractures in his back to produce a remarkable late-season run, averaging over 25 touches across a handful of WAFL Colts games before earning a state call-up and tearing apart the National Draft Combine. Allan’s versatility and all-round athleticism are exciting, and he’ll likely develop as a midfielder.

Collingwood held two second round picks coming into night two but only used one, having traded pick 30 to Carlton for a future second rounder. With the remaining pick 28, the Magpies got their man in Ryan, who they see as playing a similar role to GWS defender Nick Haynes. Plenty of clubs were in for the South Australian, who has cult figure potential and is just as stylish on-field.

On of the draft’s more remarkable stories occurred at pick 48, as 22-year-old Joe Richards was plucked out of local footy. Having played under premiership Pie Ben Reid at the Wangaratta Magpies, Richards is a speedy small midfielder who caught the eye of many clubs this year. He has been pegged as a potential running half-back who could free up Nick Daicos for a move on-ball.

Collingwood’s only other point of call came in the Rookie Draft on Wednesday. The Magpies opted to re-list youngster Cooper Murley, who they selected with pick 49 in the 2021 AFL Draft. He is yet to make his senior debut in black and white, but showed great potential as a junior.