Securing the midfield future
Collingwood has officially secured the future of emerging midfielder Ed Allan, with the 22-year-old signing a four-year contract extension that will keep him at the KGM Centre until 2030. The agreement, announced by the club on Tuesday, ends months of speculation regarding the West Australian product’s future, as he entered the off-season without a locked-in deal amid reported interest from rival clubs, including West Coast, according to The West Australian.
Allan’s commitment follows a significant breakout campaign in 2026, where he became a cornerstone of the Magpies’ midfield rotation. After managing only 15 appearances across his first three seasons at the club, the 2022 AFL Draft pick played 19 games this year, earning a spot in the 22under22 squad.
Tactical evolution and leadership
The transformation in Allan’s career began when midfield coach Matthew Boyd suggested a shift to a tagging role, a move that allowed the Claremont product to test himself against the competition’s elite, Zero Hanger reported. Throughout the 2026 season, Allan was tasked with shutting down high-profile opponents such as Isaac Heeney, Zak Butters, Marcus Bontempelli, and Noah Anderson. His performance reached a high-water mark during the round 23 draw against Hawthorn, where he recorded 28 disposals and kicked a goal.
List manager Justin Leppitsch praised the growth in Allan’s game, noting the confidence he displayed on the field. “He’s worked hard to get to this point in his young career, playing the football that we knew he was capable of,” Leppitsch said. The club initially offered a two-year extension in August but increased the offer to four years to reflect his elevated value.
Transitioning into a new era
Allan’s long-term signing arrives as Collingwood undergoes a significant list transition. The club recently confirmed the departures of veteran legends Steele Sidebottom, who retired following the wildcard final loss to the Western Bulldogs, and Scott Pendlebury, who announced a move to the Gold Coast, as noted by the AFL. Additionally, the Magpies cut six players from their list last week, including Lachie Sullivan and mid-season recruit Mitch Podhajski. With the loss of experienced midfield leadership, Allan is expected to step into a more prominent and permanent role in the engine room for the 2027 campaign.