As is customary with a new year, there has been plenty of change at the Pies as the Club’s AFL and AFLW teams prepare for another shot at glory in 2026.
One big aspect of that change has been the new faces in the recently re-named KGM Centre as the Club’s home base, with the AFL squad adding six new players and the AFLW side a whopping 12.
Suffice to say, there are plenty of new names to acquaint yourself with before the black and white take to the field once more, and they’re all right here for you.
AFL
Angus Anderson
Collingwood’s fourth selection of the national draft in 2025, Anderson joins the black and white as a mature age recruit ready to hit the ground running.
Originally from northern New South Wales, Anderson moved to the SANFL in 2022 to seek further opportunities and emerged as one of the competition’s best young players last year for premiers Sturt.
A best on ground performance in his side’s Grand Final win in September ultimately led to the Pies reading out his name with pick 57 late in the 2025 draft.
Jack Buller
Buller arrived in last year’s trade period having played 10 games for the Sydney Swans between 2023-25.
A key forward who kicked three goals in his last competitive match, he will add strength and firepower to a forward line already packed with class.
Zac McCarthy
McCarthy is a Next generation Academy (NGA) product owing to his mother’s Vietnamese heritage and was taken with pick 55 in last year’s draft.
A tall forward who appears to still be growing, McCarthy stood out for the Oakleigh Chargers last season and emerged as 2025 went on.
Tyan Prindable
Prindable was the Pies’ first selection in November’s national draft, taken with pick 32.
A classy left-footer who hails from Queensland, the midfielder was part of the Brisbane Lions academy throughout his junior career.
With capabilities both on the inside and out, the 18-year-old will offer versatility for the black and white.
Jai Saxena
Saxena was the second NGA prospect selected by the Pies in their 2025 draft haul, coming via the rookie draft as a pre-approved Category A rookie.
With dual Indian-heritage, the small forward will make history should he make his AFL debut, with no players with two parents from the country ever playing at the top level.
Like his fellow NGA graduate in McCarthy, Saxena impressed in the Oakleigh Chargers forward line in 2025, and will bring smarts and skills to the Pies.
Sam Swadling
Swadling arrives as another draftee from interstate, with the 18-year-old taken out of Western Australia.
Like Prindable, Swadling is a known for his ball-winning abilities and strong kicking skills, with high-end running power also a feature of his game.
Taken with pick 37, Swadling also has experienced at senior level, having played for WAFL club West Perth on four occasions.
AFLW
Matilda Argus
A strong defender, Argus joined the Pies at Pick 41, known for her kicking ability and defensive pressure.
Crowned the 2025 Dandenong Stingrays Best and Fairest winner, she averaged 19.7 disposals and 5.9 tackles for the Stingrays.
Josephine Bamford
Selected at Pick 29, Bamford played with the Eastern Rangers, averaging 15.5 disposals, 23 hit outs and totalled 10 goals.
Finishing an impressive season, she was in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships All-Australian Team and the Talent League Team of the Year.
Mischa Barwin
A Tasmanian product, Barwin was named in the Under 18s All-Australian side as a half-forward flank.
Playing for the Tasmanian Devils, she averaged 19.8 disposals and kicked seven majors in her nine games.
Ellie Brady
Another Irish recruit, Brady has signed a two-year rookie contract.
Still only 19 years of age, the former Gaelic captain stands at 179cm tall and will become a key position player for the Pies.
Bringing speed and strong leadership qualities, Brady will develop into a crucial part of the Pies’ future.
Charlotte Brewer
Brewer spent the first half of Collingwood’s 2025 VFLW season on the list before being picked up by Carlton’s AFLW squad.
Despite being let go by the Blues at the end of the year, Brewer was quickly snapped up by the Pies to join the list for 2026.
A strong runner who predominantly plays on the wing, Brewer will add running power and speed to the black and white.
Ariana Hetherington
Hetherington joined the Pies via the 2025 trade period, coming over from North Melbourne where she spent one season, following the previous two at the Fremantle Dockers.
179cm key position player, Hetherington will add versatility and at both ends of the ground and also has capabilities to play in the ruck.
Olivia Lewis
A former professional netballer, Lewis joins the Pies on a two-year rookie contract.
Standing at 184cm and playing predominantly as a goalkeeper during her netball career, Lewis will add even more depth to the Pies’ key position stocks.
Maisie Nankivell
Nankivell returns to the AFLW after playing two games for the Adelaide Crows in 2019, before pursuing a netball career.
She has spent her career since 2019 playing netball for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Mavericks, before deciding to make the switch back to AFLW at the end of 2025.
Signing a two-year rookie deal, the 176cm talent will add experience and depth to the black and white in 2026.
Zara Neuwirth
Neuwirth was selected at Pick 48 to round out the Pies’ draft night. Playing for the Oakleigh Chargers, she averaged 9.8 disposals.
She was also named in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships All-Australian Team and 2025 Talent League Team of the Year.
Jemma Rigoni
Rigoni penned a two-year deal in black and white following a season with Melbourne during 2025.
With eight games under her belt, Rigoni joins former Oakleigh Chargers teammate Lucy Cronin on the Pies’ list and adds to the emerging talent the Club has.
Amy Smith
Selected at Pick 23, Smith played for the Sandringham Dragons and averaged 13.5 disposals and kicked five goals in her 12 games.
Playing for Vic Metro as well, the ball winner averaged 8.5 disposals and 2.3 tackles in four appearances.
Imogen Trengove
Hailing from South Australia, Trengove was the first player selected at Pick 8.
Earning All-Australian honours representing South Australia at the National Championships, she averaged 25.6 disposals, 5.7 tackles and 10.7 handball receives in her three appearances.
