Collingwood's Chances of Winning the 2025 AFL Premiership: A Realistic Breakdown

The anticipation for the 2025 AFL season is building, and all eyes are on Collingwood as they gear up for another premiership tilt. With a storied history and a dedicated fanbase, the Magpies are entering the season with optimism. Let’s break down their chances of clinching the flag and the key factors that will shape their campaign.

Offseason Acquisitions and Strategy

Collingwood has made bold moves during the offseason, aiming to bolster their squad for an immediate premiership push. They secured GWS defender Harry Perryman on a six-year deal worth $900,000 per season and successfully acquired former Port Adelaide player Dan Houston. These acquisitions enhance the team’s depth and defensive structure, making them a more formidable side.

While these moves strengthen their immediate prospects, some experts have expressed concerns over the strategy. Kane Cornes has drawn parallels between Collingwood’s approach and past examples of clubs making short-term decisions at the expense of long-term stability. With nine players over 30 and no first-round draft picks, the focus on trading over drafting raises questions about sustainability beyond 2025.

Veteran Leadership and Experience

Collingwood’s veteran core continues to be a strength. Steele Sidebottom, nearing 34, has signed a one-year contract extension and is brimming with confidence about the team’s premiership chances. “Our time is now,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s urgency to deliver another flag.

Scott Pendlebury, entering his 20th season at 36, remains a vital figure for the team. He’s adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the game by focusing on speed training during the offseason. His commitment exemplifies the “all in” mentality driving Collingwood in 2025.

Fixture Difficulty

The 2025 AFL fixture presents challenges for Collingwood. With double-up matches against strong opponents, the season will test the Magpies’ depth and resilience. Navigating this demanding schedule will require a consistent level of performance and strategic rotations to keep players fresh.

The Competition Landscape

The AFL is as competitive as ever, with rival teams strengthening their rosters. For example, the Brisbane Lions have added Levi Ashcroft, the fifth overall pick in the AFL draft, and will welcome back his brother, Will Ashcroft, a Norm Smith medallist. This infusion of young talent complements their already formidable squad, positioning the Lions as one of Collingwood’s toughest challengers.

Conclusion

Collingwood’s blend of experienced leadership, strategic acquisitions, and a driven playing group positions them as genuine contenders for the 2025 AFL Premiership. However, their success will hinge on maintaining the balance between immediate goals and long-term sustainability. With a challenging fixture and fierce competition, the road to the flag won’t be easy. But with their “all in” mentality and a hunger to win, the Magpies remain one of the teams to watch this season.

Will 2025 be the year of the Magpie? Only time will tell, but the pieces are certainly in place for a strong campaign.