Father-Son Flashpoint: McGuane Decision Sends Collingwood Into Draft Turmoil
In a dramatic turn ahead of the 2025 AFL National Draft, Collingwood has stunned its supporters by declining to nominate Tom McGuane under the father-son rule — sparking major speculation, confusion, and tension around the club’s draft strategy.
The Decision that Shocked the Magpie Faithful
Tom McGuane, son of Collingwood legend Mick McGuane, has long been viewed as a future Magpie. Mick McGuane played 152 games for the club and starred in their 1990 premiership side. Tom, for his part, has impressed in the under-age ranks, especially with the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League, where he’s displayed a classy left foot, excellent decision-making, and a strong work rate.
Yet, according to multiple sources, Collingwood’s list management has told McGuane they will not match a father-son bid for him in the national draft. Instead, they are reportedly leaving the door open for him to be picked later via the rookie draft.
Why the U-Turn?
From the outside, the decision is baffling to many. Liam Pickering, agent for McGuane, voiced his surprise publicly: he believes Tom could easily be a second-round pick. That aligns with several talent evaluators, who have praised McGuane’s ball-winning ability, his composure, and his football intelligence.
But for Collingwood, it appears to come down to draft capital and list management pragmatism. The Pies are entering this draft with a relatively tight haul of picks — their 2025 trade wrap reveals picks at 39, 45, 56, 61, 77, 95, 113. With limited early picks, matching a potentially high bid for McGuane could be costly, especially if there are other draftees they see as more immediately impactful.
The Fallout: Turbulence and Rival Interest
The move has triggered a ripple of reaction across the AFL world:
Rival clubs are now openly monitoring McGuane, believing that he may slip through Collingwood’s fingers and become a very good value pick for someone else.
Within Collingwood, there are questions over whether the list managers are undermining legacy for short-term list balance. After all, father-son picks are often as much about culture as raw talent.
Among fans and media, the decision is being framed as a high-stakes gamble: will McGuane be taken by another club, or will Collingwood regret not securing him outright via father-son?
A Sign of Bigger Shifts?
Some analysts suggest that this isn’t just about McGuane — it may tie into a broader re-evaluation of the father-son rule’s place in Collingwood’s long-term strategy. The AFL, too, is under pressure: the father-son and academy drafting concessions are being criticized as unfair, and there are growing calls for reforms.
For Collingwood, the McGuane decision could reflect a subtle shift: more cautious use of their heritage picks, placing a higher priority on draft flexibility rather than sentimental selections.
What Could Happen Next
There are a few possible scenarios unfolding from here:
1. McGuane Drops and Gets Picked
If no club bids early, McGuane might slide into Collingwood’s range anyway — and they could still pick him, either in later national picks or via the rookie draft.
2. Another Club Bids Big
A rival club could value McGuane highly, place a strong bid, and force Collingwood to decide whether to match or let him go. If Collingwood balks, they could lose him — a major blow both talent-wise and symbolically.
3. Uproar and Retrospective Regret
If McGuane thrives at another club, Collingwood could face serious criticism from fans, especially given his father’s legacy and McGuane’s perceived potential.
4. Long-Term Strategy Validated
Alternatively, if Collingwood uses that draft capital wisely — bringing in several strong draftees — their gamble could pay off, proving that they judged his value correctly against the broader needs of the club.
Conclusion
Collingwood’s decision not to nominate Tom McGuane as a father-son pick has injected genuine tension into what is usually a sentimental corner of the AFL draft. It’s not just about a father and son — it’s about list strategy, club identity, and the balancing act between heart and pragmatism.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on McGuane: will he remain a Magpie, or will Collingwood’s gamble backfire? One thing is certain — this is one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 draft.
