Collingwood has strengthened its midfield with the signing of Patrick Lipinski from the Western Bulldogs.

The 23 year-old had committed himself to a future with the Magpies and he arrived at the Holden Centre this morning in exchange for the selection 43 in the upcoming AFL national draft.

Lipinski played 56 games across five seasons with the Bulldogs after being drafted in the second round of the 2016 national draft.

Lipinski thanked the Bulldogs for his time at Whitten Oval.

“I have a lot of friends and people at the Bulldogs I will always be grateful to. I got my chance there,” Lipinski said.

“To evolve and build on the foundations of my game, though, I know moving to Collingwood is the right thing. It’s the right fit. There is something of a new beginning taking place at the Pies, with a relatively young list and new coaching staff. I’m keen to share in that.”

Collingwood GM of Football, Graham Wright, said Lipinski has been a player of interest for some time.

“We identified Patrick as a player of talent, of the right age and positional need for our group. He is a competitor who is desperate to develop his game. All of those qualities and attributes stood out us and made him very appealing,” Wright said.

“I think we can be very good for Patrick and I’m confident he will really add to squad. We are really pleased to welcome him to the program.”