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SELECT 👉 Bay Oval commentary
Pies reject "won't sook" over delisting as he hunts fourth club
SEN • October 24th, 2025 3:48 pm
Delisted Collingwood star Tom Mitchell is adamant he will continue to play at the highest level and become one of only a handful of players this century to play for four clubs.
The 32-year-old, along with ruckman Mason Cox, did not have his contract with the Pies renewed for 2026 having struggled to cement his spot in the side through the 2025 season.
Mitchell, who endured an injury ravaged 2024, played just four AFL games this year but made a big impact on the Collingwood VFL side.
Despite the disappointment of being let go, the 2018 Brownlow Medallist has refused to “sook” about his predicament and is confident that his manager Tom Petroro will find him a new home.
He also believes relentless focus on Collingwood’s average this year helped put the writing on the wall for his fate.
“There wouldn’t be too many four clubbers out there,” he said on SEN WA. “I wasn’t surprised (by the delisting) to be honest.
“You get to the back end of the season when you’re not getting picked but playing well, it seems funny. But that’s footy, things don’t always go your way.
“The narrative around Collingwood having an aging list was intentional to move a few of the older guys out. Cox, me, (Brody) Mihocek, then (Will) Hoskin-Elliott retired. There’s a group of us.
“That narrative was real and you could see how it was unfolding as the season progressed.
"Obviously I’m upset and disappointed, (but) I have taken great pride in what I have done.
“I made a promise to myself that I would carry myself as best I possibly could, I was not going to sook.
“When I played VFL, I said I would support the young guys and I received a message from every younger player (after the delisting). It was special from a character point of view to get those rewards because it was intentional.”
Whatever the future holds for Mitchell, he is hopeful that his experiences as a player, together with the fact he has played some good footy in recent months, will stand him in good stead when it comes to finding a new club.
Geographically, the former Swan and Hawk says he has no preference as to where he goes next.
“I’ve been playing for a long time,” he continued. “14 years, I have experienced the pinnacle of footy; winning and losing Grand Finals.
“I still think my body is in great condition. Experience sometimes you can’t buy.
“If I do get a fourth club it would be the opportunity to give back. I’ve learnt from the game's greats, and I have a good knowledge and I hope to pass these things on.”
“When he (manager Tom Petroro) is back the word is he will meet with all the clubs and assess what interest is out there. I am open to anything, and I have a couple of great years left in me.
“West Coast would be amazing. They’re a proud big club and I have family and friends there.”
