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10 players over 30: Which Pies veterans should play on in 2026?
Lachlan Geleit • April 15th, 2025 11:43 am
Collingwood is breaking new barriers with age in 2025 after fielding the oldest team in V/AFL history in their Round 4 win over Carlton.
While the Magpies have been knocked for backing their experience, they’ve found some brilliant form since their Opening Round loss to GWS, winning four games in a row, all against teams that played finals in 2024 to reach 4-1.
With their veteran names still standing up and having an impact, Channel 9’s Tom Morris revealed that the Magpies will wait until midway through the year to tackle contract talks with their older brigade.
He spoke about Collingwood’s older players with Garry Lyon, with the former Demon then giving his own temperature check as to whether the 10 Magpies that are in their 30s should play on in 2026.
“There are 10 players over the age of 30,” Morris told SEN Breakfast.
“(Scott) Pendlebury, (Jeremy) Howe, (Steele) Sidebottom, (Mason) Cox, (Jamie) Elliott, (Brody) Mihocek, (Tom) Mitchell, (Will) Hoskin-Elliott, (Jack) Crisp and (Tim) Membrey, but they're not going to keep all 10 for next year.
“What the Pies are doing is they're going to wait until midway through the year and they’re going to deal with all those one by one.
“They're not going to really talk about them before then, but there's some decisions to be made.”
Will they play on in 2026? Lyon’s temperature check on Pies veterans
Scott Pendlebury (out of contract) – YesJeremy Howe (out of contract) – UnsureSteele Sidebottom (out of contract) – YesMason Cox (out of contract) – UnsureJamie Elliott (out of contract) – YesBrody Mihocek (out of contract) – YesTom Mitchell (out of contract) – UnsureWill Hoskin-Elliott (out of contract) – YesJack Crisp (contracted until 2026) – YesTim Membrey (contracted until 2026) - Unsure
After going on a recruiting spree last season to acquire Dan Houston, Harry Perryman, and Membrey from rival clubs, Morris was asked by Tim Watson whether the Magpies would be targeting more experience this upcoming off-season.
“The one was Oscar Allen, but I don't think he's going to Collingwood,” Morris said.
“I don't think they're willing to offer a long-term deal and I don't think he's that keen to get there.”
The Magpies will hope to go 5-1 when they face Brisbane on Easter Thursday at the Gabba.
