Collingwood farewells Joel Cochran, Wil Parker, Mitch Podhajski, Jakob Ryan, Iliro Smit and Lachie Sullivan, after the group was informed they will not be offered contracts for 2027.

Cochran arrived at Collingwood in the 2024 National Draft and has played 28 games of VFL across two seasons, predominantly as a defender.

A former cricketer, Parker joined Collingwood ahead of the 2024 season as a category B rookie, going on to play 14 AFL games over his three years in the black and white.

Drafted with Pick 28 in the 2022 National Draft, Ryan made his debut in Round 23 the following year, also taking home the Harry Collier Trophy for the best first year player in his debut year. Over his four seasons at the Club, Ryan has been a strong contributor at VFL level.

Arriving from Coburg in this year’s Mid-Season Draft, Podhajski quickly made an impact, making his debut only weeks after arriving at the KGM Centre. In addition to Podhajski’s two AFL games, he ran out for seven VFL appearances where he scored a total of 20 goals.

A 2024 Mid-Season Draft selection, Smit played 32 VFL games for the Magpies, including 17 this year where he averaged 14.5 hit outs per game.

Signed by the Pies during the 2024 Supplementary Selection Period (SSP), Sullivan has played 26 AFL games across three years, including two this season.

General Manager of List and Talent Strategy Justin Leppitsch thanked the players for their contribution to the Club.

“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, we would like to sincerely thank Joel, Wil, Mitch, Jakob, Iliro and Lachie for their dedication and contribution to our Football Club,” Leppitsch said.

“Each of them has played an important role across both our AFL and VFL programs, and they should be incredibly proud of the commitment, professionalism and character they have shown throughout their time in black and white.”