Delisted Pies midfielder finds new home

The 20-year-old was one of six Magpies players cut from the club.

Delisted Collingwood midfielder Arlo Draper has returned to his former side South Adelaide for the 2024 season following his Magpies departure.

Draper was drafted out of the Panthers and into the AFL system alongside teammate and 2021 No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Franics two years ago, with the Willunga junior selected 45th overall.

The 20-year-old wouldn’t play a game of senior football at the Magpies and would manage 31 appearances for Collingwood’s VFL team across his two years a the club, which were impacted by injury.

Draper was one of six Magpies players delisted this off-season, with the midfield-forward hybrid now returning to South Australia to play for the Panthers next year.

“I’d say I’m most excited to be back in an environment I’ve grown up in with good people all throughout the club,” Draper said in a club statement.

“We have a really exciting young list so it’s a great opportunity to be a part of hopefully some really positive development as a club.

“I was obviously pretty privileged to be involved in a fairly successful organisation over the past two years, I joined Collingwood after they finished 17th the year before, so I was there to witness their resurgence and learnt a lot.

“Hopefully I can use some of the knowledge I gained to help the team on the field as well as off.”

Draper’s return to Flinders University Stadium could see him play alongside his brother Sid, who looms as one of the leading draft prospects for the 2024 draft.

Sid played three games for South Adelaide’s senior side this year and would earn a spot in the U18 All-Australian team for his efforts for South Australia at the National Carnival.

His brother’s decision to return to the Panthers was influenced by the idea of the pair playing together at South Adelaide.

“The opportunity to play with Sid was one of the biggest things that pulled me to come back home,” the ex-Magpie revealed.

“He’s hopefully in for a really big year so to be able to be a part of that and help him through it is really special”

South Adelaide finished in ninth on the ladder this year, recording five wins from their 18 matches.

Pies Confirm 2024 AFL Coaching Structure

Collingwood is pleased to confirm its coaching structure for the 2024 AFL season.

Assisting Senior Coach Craig McRae, Hayden Skipworth will be elevated to Senior Assistant and Midfield coach.

Scott Selwood will look over the forward line group, while former Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead will oversee the backline.

Roughead is no stranger to coaching, the 32-year-old spent three years with the Club’s AFLW program as an Assistant Coach, and also played a key role with the Club’s AFL program this year as a development coach and opposition analyst.

Justin Leppitsch will step into a new role as the Director of Strategy and Innovation, while Brendan Bolton will lead as the Director of Coaching, Learning and Leadership across the Football Department and wider Club.

“We’re pleased to have retained our 2023 coaching group after this year’s premiership success,” Collingwood’s General Manager of Football Graham Wright said.

“Their commitment to Collingwood shows a belief in what we’re continuing to build both as a program and a Club, and today’s structural changes provide each coach with greater opportunity to learn and develop.

“Hayden has shown significant growth over the last few seasons with us. His promotion to Senior Assistant is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his coaching craft.

“Both Scott and Jordan have been involved in our program for several years now, and we’re excited for them to take a new step in their coaching journeys.

“Justin will help develop and implement the football program’s strategic vision with Craig McRae, provide direction and leadership to our data and analysis division, mentor all coaches and assist in our list management and recruiting areas.

“Brendan will play a pivotal role in continuing to improve the connection across the football department and the wider business while also utilising his extensive leadership and culture experience to continue to further develop our athletes and staff.”

“Although Justin and Brendan will not coach a line group next season, they’ll actively be involved on a match-day.”

Former Bulldogs Senior Coach Brendan McCartney, who spent time with the AFL program this year, will officially come on board in a part-time capacity development role.

Josh Fraser will continue as the Club’s Head of Development and VFL Senior Coach alongside VFL Assistants and Line Coaches; Neville Jetta, Andy Otten and AFL’s Women’s Coach Acceleration Program participant Chloe McMillan.

Harmit Singh will continue in his role as Head of Academies overseeing the NGA, Peter Daicos Academy, Father-Daughter programs.

AFL
Craig McRae – Senior coach
Hayden Skipworth – Senior assistant (midfield coach)
Scott Selwood – Assistant Coach (forward line) coach
Jordan Roughead – Assistant Coach (backline line)
Justin Leppitsch – Director of Strategy and Innovation
Brendon Bolton – Director of Coaching, Learning, and Leadership

Development/ VFL
Josh Fraser – Head of Development and VFL Senior Coach
Neville Jetta – Development coach
Chloe McMillan – Development coach
Andy Otten – Development coach
Harmit Singh – Head of Academies
Brendan McCartney – Development (PT)