A forgotten young forward could be the catalyst in Collingwood’s 2026 plans.
The uncertain future surrounding premiership Magpie Bobby Hill could open the door for returning Collingwood forward Harvey Harrison, who will have his sights set on a breakout 2026 campaign after a long spell out of action.
Harrison hasn’t featured at AFL level since late into the 2024 season, with an ACL injury – and further setbacks since – putting a line through his entire campaign last year.
The South Australian had found a role under Craig McRae prior to his cruel injury blow, adding pace and pressure to the front half of Collingwood’s premiership defence while going at close top a goal per game.
The Magpies, and their faithful, are expecting the long-awaited return of Harrison to the senior side, with the 22-year-old to place pressure on McRae’s incumbent goalsneaks at the very least.
The makeup of that forward pack was heavily reliant on veteran Jamie Elliott in 2025, with the sharpshooting Magpie kicking a career-high 60 goals at the age of 33. The next best return among Collingwood’s small forwards came from Hill, who kicked 20 goals from 14 games, with Beau McCreery only amassing the six majors from his 19 outings.
Lachie Schultz, too, went at less than a goal per game last year, contributing 13 goals from 16 games as midfielders Nick Daicos and Steele Sidebottom found themselves in the goalkickers column more than the ex-Docker.
Hill’s absence was felt in the second half of the season, with Collingwood having only lost two of his 13 games up until Round 15 prior to his time away from the club.
Collingwood lost five home and away season games after that juncture, including a 27-point loss at the hands of eventual premiers Brisbane, which would be Hill’s only other game of the year.
While Elliott couldn’t be quelled, his supporting cast struggled to rise to the occasion and help fill the void left by Hill.
Moving into 2026, Hill’s playing future is clouded once more, and Elliott is another year older, with McRae and co to require a more efficient pecking order in attack if the black and white want to take the next step.
Harrison could be the catalyst that’s required, complementing the strengths that Elliott provides as a high-flying medium-sized target, with the former a zippy ground-level threat.
Capable of working up the ground and opening space on transition, the forgotten forward would be a fitting addition if the Magpies want to play the fast-paced football that took them the distance three years ago.
McReery, while not a known goalkicker, can continue to bring his defensive edge while potentially rolling further up the field, while Schultz will look to return to his best form after an interrupted second season with the Magpies.
The onus won’t only be on Collingwood’s smalls, with McRae’s key forward contingent undergoing change over the off-season. Brody Mihocek has departed for Melbourne, with Jack Buller to take his place in the front half after switching from Sydney.
Dan McStay will need to win his spot back after falling behind Mason Cox to end last year, with the American delisted by the Magpies at the cessation of their finals campaign. Like Elliott, Tim Mmebrey can’t be relied on for the long haul, with the serviceable ex-Saint turning 32 early into the new season.
Second-year forward Charlie West will look to mount pressure on his senior teammates, having broken through for a debut last year after strong form at VFL level, only to see his debut seasoncut short by injury.
A sharp spear will be crucial to Collingwood having a strong start to the new season, with expected contenders St Kilda, Adelaide, GWS, Brisbane and Fremantle scheduled as their opening five opponents before blockbuster affairs against Carlton and Essendon.
The following three weeks will see the Magpies face Hawthorn, Geelong and then Sydney interstate, with the fixture giving them little breathing room by the midway mark.
Collingwood conjured just two defeats in its first 16 games in 2025, with that hot start needed given its lacking late-season form, which would result in a fourth-placed finish.
