Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
“Really surprised”: Pies’ big father-son call shocks player agent
SEN • October 6th, 2025 5:43 pm
Collingwood’s decision not to nominate Tom McGuane as a father-son ahead of the 2025 AFL Draft surprised Odyssey Sports Management’s Liam Pickering.
McGuane, who is the son of 1990 premiership great Mick, has long been considered a future Magpie, even playing three VFL games for the Magpies in 2025.
While the Western Jets midfielder was touted as a potential early pick in this year’s draft 12 months ago, clearly the Magpies don’t have the 18-year-old high on their draft board.
Pickering, though, thinks that the left-footer could easily be a second-round pick, which is why he’s confused by the decision to overlook McGuane.
While the Magpies could still take McGuane if he slips through the rookie draft or even take him in the open draft as a later pick, he’ll now be freely available to rival clubs.
Pickering discussed Collingwood overlooking McGuane with Cam Luke on AFL Trade Radio.
Luke: “Can you explain the Tom McGuane situation to myself and some of the Pies fans?
“I'm no expert on the Under 18s, but I assumed that he would be a Pie, but that looks like it won’t be the case.”
Pickering: “Well, they can still draft him, but they haven't pre-nominated him for the draft.
“I'm really surprised. He's a really talented player, he's a great kid, and a left footer. He’s only light, so there’s not much of him, but he tested really well at the combine, he ran a good 2km and showed good pace and agility.”
Luke: “In your mind, is he a first-round draft pick? Or in that conversation?”
Pickering: “I reckon he's a pick between 18 and 36, that sort of range, so a second-rounder.
“That’s why I’m surprised Collingwood haven’t nominated him, but they clearly don't have him as high on their draft board as some of the other clubs might.
“But he’s got AFL traits, there’s no doubt in my mind.”
McGuane ran a 6:20 2km time trial and a 2.93 20m sprint at the state combine on Sunday.
