Collingwood have decided not to offer young ruckman Aiden Begg a new contract for the 2025 season.
The 21-year-old’s delisting is the first for the reigning premiers, with Begg to join Nathan Murphy (retirement) and Josh Carmichael (retirement) in departing the Magpies this year.
Begg played three AFL games for Collingwood after being drafted with Pick 18 in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft, with the North Ringwood product making his debut in 2022 against Gold Coast.
He would play further matches against Richmond and the Western Bulldogs that year, spending the rest of his time in black and white with the club’s VFL side.
Begg spent a large portion of this year on the sidelines, having dealt with a knee injury that placed him out of action midway through the 2024 season.
“We have today informed Aiden he will not be offered a contract next year,” Collingwood’s football strategy, list management and innovation lead Justin Leppitsch said.
“Despite limited opportunities at AFL level, he played a crucial role in our VFL side which was huge for his development.
“He has managed a number of injuries throughout his time with us and through it all has kept his head high and has been dedicated to his recovery and getting better.
“Throughout his time in our environment, we’ve seen Aiden grow so much as a person and we have no doubt that the traits he has developed over the last few years will assist him in his next chapter.
“It is always difficult to say goodbye to good people, but we wish Aiden all the best with his future endeavours.”
The decision to delist Begg leaves the Magpies with a number of players still unsigned for 2025, with Charlie Dean, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Nathan Kreuger, Ned Long, Oleg Markov, Reef McInnes, and Joe Richards among those still without deals.
