Pies delist ruckman after limited opportunities at AFL level

Collingwood has today delisted ruckman Aiden Begg.

The 21-year-old was informed on Monday that he won’t be offered a contract for the 2025 season.

The 197cm ruck came to the club with pick No. 18 in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft and he’d go on to play three AFL games and 34 VFL games across four seasons.

Begg spent long periods on the sidelines during his time at the club after suffering a number of injuries – including a posterior cruciate ligament - as a Collingwood player.

Collingwood list boss and head of football strategy Justin Leppitsch thanked Begg for his efforts in the black and white.

“We have today informed Aiden he will not be offered a contract next year,” Leppitsch said.

“Despite limited opportunities at AFL level, he played a crucial role in our VFL side which was huge for his development.

“He has managed a number of injuries throughout his time with us and through it all has kept his head high and has been dedicated to his recovery and getting better.

“Throughout his time in our environment, we’ve seen Aiden grow so much as a person and we have no doubt that the traits he has developed over the last few years will assist him in his next chapter.

“It is always difficult to say goodbye to good people, but we wish Aiden all the best with his future endeavours.”

Begg was on Collingwood’s AFL Inactive List for much of the 2024 season after playing just seven VFL games last campaign.