Harry Perryman, after eight seasons and 129 games with Greater Western Sydney (GWS), has officially signed with Collingwood in a massive free agency deal. The 25-year-old midfielder, drafted with Pick 14 in the 2016 National Draft, has been a standout performer for the AFL’s youngest club, but now sets his sights on a new chapter with the reigning premiers.
Collingwood secured Perryman’s services despite stiff competition from Port Adelaide and Hawthorn. The Magpies were able to entice him with their vision of strengthening their midfield, placing him alongside stars like Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey, while also planning for the future beyond Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom. Perryman’s desire to transition from the backline to a midfield role opened the door for this high-profile move.
His signing addresses a key need for Collingwood, particularly after injuries highlighted the team’s midfield depth issues last season. With youngster Finlay Macrae still developing, Perryman’s inclusion is seen as a way to alleviate the load on Daicos and support the Magpies’ push for continued success.
The AFL is yet to announce the draft compensation GWS will receive for losing Perryman, but it’s expected to be a notable pick. Meanwhile, the Giants are also preparing to lose other key players, including Nick Haynes to Carlton and Isaac Cumming to Adelaide, further shaking up their roster in the free agency period.
Stay tuned for updates as the AFL finalizes compensation and other free agency moves across the league.
