Patrick Lipinski speaks to the media for the first time as a Collingwood player on Tuesday [Photo: Collingwood FC]

Patrick Lipinski sat down in front of the media for the first time as a Collingwood player on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Pies from the Western Bulldogs in exchange for pick 43 in the 2021 AFL Draft. 

"It feels really exciting to be a Collingwood player. It's been a pretty big 24 hours coming into the club meeting lots of new people and hundreds of text messages from family, friends, everyone from Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs," Lipinski said.

I think it’s a really exciting time to come to Collingwood

- Patrick Lipinski

After playing just 11 games this season, Lipinski was in the hunt for more opportunity at AFL level. 

"It’s a great opportunity for me to come and play a lot of footy here," Lipinski said.

Another reason for his decision to come to Collingwood was the arrival of new coach Craig McRae. 

"I met him yesterday, we were with each other for about an hour. It’s really great to see what he has in store not only for myself but the entire club. It’s going to be great to work with Craig for the years to come," Lipinski said.

He’s really chilled and caring guy, he’s got a great footy mind. I’m just really happy to have him as coach, he’s going to be great for the whole club."

A player with elite ball skills, impressive running capacity and a strong work ethic, Lipinski will slot perfectly into Collingwood's young and developing list. 

"I think it’ll fit really well, need to build some chemistry with those guys, learn from them and hopefully teach them a few things too," Lipinski said.

Lipinski arrives on a three-year deal which will see him be a Collingwood player until at least the end of 2024. 

Watch the full press conference: