Collingwood Secure Future with Midseason Draft Picks and Cameron Extension
The Collingwood Football Club has once again demonstrated its strategic foresight and commitment to long-term success, with a string of key decisions that have the AFL world buzzing. In the 2025 midseason draft, the Pies successfully secured two promising young talents — Roan Steele and Noah Howes — while also locking down one of their most consistent performers, Darcy Cameron, on a fresh three-year contract extension. Together, these moves underscore the Magpies’ vision of blending youth and experience to maintain their position as one of the league’s most formidable forces.
The acquisition of Steele and Howes in the midseason draft was no accident. Collingwood recruiters have been carefully watching both players throughout the early months of the season, believing their skills and potential perfectly align with the club’s long-term needs. Steele, a strong-bodied midfielder with a reputation for relentless pressure and ball-winning ability, has already drawn comparisons to past Magpie greats. His athleticism and tenacity are seen as attributes that could seamlessly translate into Collingwood’s high-intensity game plan.
Meanwhile, Howes brings a different but equally valuable set of tools. A versatile defender with the ability to swing forward, he has impressed scouts with his composure under pressure and his reading of the play. With Collingwood looking to strengthen its depth across the ground, Howes is expected to add immediate competition for spots while providing the flexibility that modern AFL demands. Both young men expressed pride at being selected by such a storied club, acknowledging the unique opportunity to contribute to a team that continues to set the benchmark for professionalism and culture.
While the draft picks point to the future, the announcement of Darcy Cameron’s three-year contract extension reinforces Collingwood’s present-day stability. Since joining the Magpies, Cameron has become an integral figure, both as a ruckman and a forward target. His versatility, work ethic, and resilience have made him a trusted figure among teammates and coaching staff alike. By committing to Cameron until at least 2028, Collingwood ensures that one of their most reliable players remains a cornerstone of their on-field structure.
Cameron himself expressed gratitude for the faith the club has shown in him. “Collingwood has been my home, and I’ve grown so much here, both as a footballer and as a person. To know I’ll be part of this journey for another three years is incredibly special. I want to help this club keep competing at the highest level and bring more success to our supporters.”
The leadership group and coaching staff were quick to praise Cameron’s professionalism and influence on the younger players. His extension is seen not only as a win for Collingwood’s immediate prospects but also as a vital stabilizing factor for the club’s evolving list.
Collingwood’s recruiting and retention strategy in 2025 has been clear: invest in elite young talent while maintaining the core of experienced contributors who embody the Magpie way. This balance is crucial in the AFL, where success is often determined by how seamlessly clubs manage transitions between generations of players. With veterans like Scott Pendlebury nearing the twilight of their careers, the onus is on emerging stars and steady leaders like Cameron to bridge the gap for recruits such as Steele and Howes.
For supporters, these announcements represent more than just contractual details. They serve as a reminder that the club’s administration is firmly focused on ensuring the Magpies remain competitive, resilient, and forward-thinking. After seasons filled with highs, including their recent premiership campaigns, the hunger for sustained excellence has only grown among the Collingwood faithful.
The AFL community, too, has taken notice. Analysts praised the Pies’ boldness in the midseason draft, calling Steele and Howes two of the most intriguing prospects of the year. Meanwhile, securing Cameron has been viewed as a shrewd move that avoids the potential distraction of contract speculation while reinforcing Collingwood’s culture of loyalty and stability.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Steele and Howes integrate into the squad and how Cameron continues to lead by example. For Collingwood, the future looks as promising as ever, built on the foundation of astute recruitment, strong leadership, and a culture that continues to define the black-and-white army.
With talent, commitment, and vision aligning at the right time, the Pies’ pursuit of continued dominance is far from over.
