Collingwood 2024 Player List: Your Complete Guide

So, you want to get across the Collingwood 2024 player list? Whether you’re a new member of the Magpie Army, a returning supporter looking for a refresh, or just trying to keep up with the water-cooler chat at work, knowing who’s who in the black and white stripes is essential. This isn't just a list of names and numbers. It’s your guide to understanding the engine room of the club, the new faces, the seasoned legends, and how this all comes together under the bright lights of the AFL.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the squad with confidence, understand the roles that make this team tick, and know exactly which players to watch as we chase that ultimate goal: another flag. Let’s get into it.

What You'll Need Before We Start

Getting familiar with a team is easier when you have a few basics down. Don’t worry, it’s not a test! But having these at your fingertips will make everything click.

A Dash of Passion: A little bit of love for the Magpies goes a long way.
The Fixture: Knowing when the Pies play next helps you put names to action. Keep an eye on those big games, especially the Anzac Day clash at the 'G.
Basic AFL Knowledge: Understanding positions like midfield, forward, and defender will help you see why a player is in the team.
This Guide: Consider this your playbook. We’ll break it down step-by-step.

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Your Step-by-Step Process to Mastering the 2024 List

1. Start with the Pillars: Captain and Coach

Every great team has its leaders, both on and off the field. For Collingwood, this starts at the very top.

The Captain: Darcy Moore. More than just a brilliant intercept defender, Moore is the on-field general. He sets the standard with his athleticism, courage, and calm demeanour under pressure. When you see number 30 organising the backline, that’s your skipper.
The Coach: Craig McRae (or 'Fly'). Since taking over, Coach McRae has instilled a philosophy of joy, pressure, and team-first football. Understanding ‘Fly’s’ game style—fast, fearless, and connected—is key to understanding why certain players thrive in this system.

These two set the tone. The whole list is built to execute their vision.

2. Navigate by the Stars: Your Key On-Field Navigators

While the team is the ultimate hero, some players are the compass. Knowing these few will help you follow the flow of any game.

Nick Daicos: Simply put, he’s a generational talent. Watch number 35, and you’ll see artistry. He finds time and space where there is none, and his disposal is elite. He’s the player every opponent plans for.
Scott Pendlebury ('Pendles'): The maestro. Now in a more forward-minded role, his football IQ is off the charts. In tight situations, he’s the one you want with the ball. He’s the link to our glorious past and a guide for our future.
Jordan De Goey: The game-breaker. When the match is in the balance, De Goey has the power and skill to change it in a moment. He’s the explosive force in the midfield and forward line.

These are your "watch this player" indicators during a broadcast.

3. Understand the Squad Structure: It's More Than Just 23 Names

The AFL list is broken into categories. Think of it like a pyramid, with each layer serving a purpose.

The Senior Core (A-Graders): These are the players we’ve mentioned above, plus others like Brayden Maynard, Isaac Quaynor, and Josh Daicos. They are the proven, week-in, week-out performers.
The Role Players: The heart and soul of the system. Players like Beau McCreery (pressure forward), Oleg Markov (speed), and Billy Frampton (versatile tall) have specific, crucial jobs that make the team system work.
The Developing Talent: The future. This includes recent draft picks like Harry DeMattia and Tew Jiath, and younger players like Harvey Harrison. Watch their progress in the VFL and their chances in the senior side.
The Rucks: A category of its own. With Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron, we have a dynamic ruck duo who offer different strengths around the ground and are vital to our midfield setup.

4. Learn the Numbers and Stories

A number becomes iconic when a great player wears it. But every player has a story.

The Famous #35: Worn by Peter Daicos, then by his son Josh, and now by his son Nick Daicos. It’s a number dripping with history and magic.
The New Recruits: Who joined the club in the last off-season? For 2024, pay attention to Lachie Schultz (the energetic small forward from Fremantle). Integrating a new player and understanding what they bring is a big part of following a list.
The Comeback Stories: Is anyone returning from a long-term injury? A player’s return can feel like a new signing and can change the team's dynamic.

5. Follow the In-Season Journey

The list isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing thing across a long season.

Selection Drama: Who’s in the team each Thursday night? Who’s been omitted or is managing a soreness? This weekly ritual is a huge part of the conversation.
The Copeland Trophy: This is the club’s best and fairest award. As the season goes on, you’ll start to hear pundits talk about who’s leading the race. It’s a great indicator of consistent, team-oriented performance.
The Next Generation: Keep one eye on the VFL team. Who’s knocking down the door for a senior call-up? The next Nick Daicos is out there developing right now.

For a deeper dive into what makes this club tick, from its roots at Vic Park to its modern home, explore our hub on /understanding-collingwood-afl.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

TIP: Use the Official App/Website. The Collingwood Football Club’s official site and app have the most accurate, up-to-date player profiles, stats, and news. It’s your primary source.
TIP: Listen to Player Interviews. Hearing a player like Darcy Moore or Scott Pendlebury talk about the game gives you incredible insight into their role and the team’s mindset.
MISTAKE: Overhyping One Player. It’s a team game. While stars shine, it’s the system and the 22 contributors that win premierships. Don’t forget the role players!
MISTAKE: Writing Off Young Players Too Early. Development isn’t linear. Some players take a few seasons to find their feet at AFL level. Patience is key.
MISTAKE: Confusing Similar Names. We have Daicos (Nick and Josh), and we’ve had the Browns and the Shaws in the past. Take a second to get the first name right!

Just like in other sports, a team's fortunes can hinge on its roster depth and health. For instance, seeing how other clubs manage squad news, like potential injury concerns ahead of a major clash, highlights the universal importance of list management. It’s a reminder that every player on this list is a vital piece of the puzzle.

Your Quick-Fire Checklist Summary

Mastered the guide? Here’s your cheat sheet. Run through this before the next game, and you’ll be set.

• Identify the Leadership: Know Captain Darcy Moore and Coach Craig McRae ('Fly').


• Spot the Navigators: Pick out Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury ('Pendles'), and Jordan De Goey as the key on-field influencers.


• Understand the List Structure: Recognise the difference between the senior core, the role players, and the developing talent.


• Connect Numbers & Stories: Remember the significance of #35 and know the key new faces for 2024 (e.g., Lachie Schultz).


• Follow the In-Season Flow: Engage with weekly team selection, track the Copeland Trophy race, and monitor VFL form.


• Use Official Sources: Bookmark the club’s website for accurate info.


• Embrace the Team Ethos: Celebrate the system and all 22 players, not just the stars.

Now you’re ready. Pull on your Magpies jumper, join the black and white army, and watch with a new level of understanding as this 2024 Collingwood list writes its next chapter. Go Pies!