Collingwood Football Club is edging closer to finalizing its list of veteran re-signings ahead of the 2026 AFL season. According to multiple sources, six long-serving Magpies have verbally agreed to return—but two others remain in waiting limbo due to ongoing negotiation details.
✅ Six Veterans Locked In (Pending Paperwork)
As reported by Zero Hanger, Tom Morris of 9 News’ Footy Furnace confirmed the Pies have told six key veterans:
“We want you here next year pending that we’re protected from a contractual perspective”
These veterans are understood to include:
- Scott Pendlebury
- Steele Sidebottom
- Brody Mihocek
- Jamie Elliott
- Jeremy Howe
- Will Hoskin‑Elliott
All six have verbally agreed to extend—barring any serious injury or unforeseen circumstances—and are expected to be on track to play through 2026 .
❓ Two More Still Up in the Air
Amid the broader picture, two other senior players—widely believed to be Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell—do not yet have confirmed extensions. Those negotiations remain paused, with terms likely still being discussed .
🔄 What “Pending Protection” Really Means
The phrase “pending that we’re protected from a contractual perspective” refers to Collingwood’s need to ensure its veterans aren’t forced to play under medical duress—such as suffering a season-ending ACL injury—without proper safeguards built into their re-sign agreements .
📅 Timeline & Next Steps
- Finalising contracts: The club and players are expected to move from verbal agreement to signed contracts once details like injury clauses are ironed out.
- Lingering cases: Cox and Mitchell’s futures remain uncertain until terms are resolved.
- Roster clarity: Locking in the six veterans results in stronger continuity and leadership for 2026’s campaign.
🏁 Bottom Line
Collingwood is well on its way to securing continuity in its lineup. With six veteran players effectively committed (subject to paperwork), the Magpies are reinforcing their 2026 playing list. Meanwhile, the remaining duo—Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell—will need to have patience until both parties finalize their terms.
Let me know if you’d like updates as contracts become official or insight into how this could impact Collingwood’s draft and salary cap strategy!
