Collingwood today announces two changes to its 2027 AFL coaching team with the Pies welcoming Ben Hart back to the KGM Centre as an Assistant Coach, while Matthew Boyd will transition into a new role as the Head of Development.

Hart returns to the Club after four seasons as an Assistant Coach at GWS GIANTS, having previously worked at Collingwood between 2012 to 2016 and various stints at the Adelaide Crows.

He also served as the Senior Coach for the Northern Bullants in 2022 before joining the GIANTS.

Hart’s playing career spanned 15 years, playing 311 games for the Adelaide Crows, where he won two Premierships, was named All Australian four times and was awarded the Malcolm Blight Medal on two occasions as the Crows’ Best and Fairest player.

In another change to the Pies’ coaching team, Boyd will transition from an Assistant Coach role into a Head of Development position.

Boyd returned to Collingwood ahead of the 2025 season, following a stint with Fremantle.

In his new role, Boyd will oversee the Club’s development program, working closely with the coaching team to lead a holistic player development model to maximise overall talent outcomes for the Club.

EGM Football Charlie Gardiner welcomed Hart back to the Magpies and celebrated Boyd’s new role.

 “We are excited to welcome Ben and his family back to Collingwood. He’s a high calibre person with over three decades of football experience, as a player and coach, and will be a fantastic resource for our players and a valuable addition to our coaching team,” Gardiner said.

“Matt has done an excellent job as an assistant coach with our midfield group over the past two years and his elevation to the Head of Development role is a significant appointment for the Club.  The role will play an important and influential part in our program over the coming years and Matt’s ability to build strong relationships with our players combined with his passion for developing talent make him a fantastic fit for the role.”