The Collingwood Magpies are gearing up for a hectic off-season as they dive headfirst into the AFL trade period. With the team looking to bolster their defensive stocks, a pair of seasoned defenders could be heading to the black and white camp, but the potential departure of two of their own players, Joe Richards and John Noble, has added a new layer of complexity to their trade strategy.

Speaking on Monday morning to AFL Trade Radio, Collingwood’s list manager, Justin Leppitsch, provided several updates on where the club stands as negotiations for the trade period kicked off. With both Richards and Noble requesting trades away from the club, Collingwood’s focus on securing key defenders like Dan Houston and Adam Tomlinson is expected to shape much of their activity this off-season.

Joe Richards Seeks Move to Port Adelaide

Joe Richards, the livewire forward who made nine appearances for the Magpies this season, has officially requested a trade to Port Adelaide. His request came in just as the trade period began, opening the door for potential negotiations involving Port defender Dan Houston.

Houston, a two-time All-Australian, is reportedly seeking a move to Victoria despite being contracted with Port Adelaide until the end of 2027. With Collingwood keen to add defensive depth to their list, Richards’ move could provide a crucial piece in the puzzle. The Magpies could look to package Richards alongside a first-round pick in exchange for Houston, a deal that could benefit both clubs.

However, Leppitsch was quick to point out that discussions were still in their early stages, and no concrete negotiations had been held with Port Adelaide’s list manager, Jason Cripps. “I haven’t even spoken to Port to be honest, or Crippa about that—so we’re still a long way from finalizing a result there,” Leppitsch said.

Collingwood’s willingness to explore such a deal is indicative of their broader strategy this trade period. With a focus on securing experienced players who can contribute immediately to the team’s on-field success, the Magpies are prepared to make bold moves if it helps them strengthen key areas, particularly in defense.

Adam Tomlinson Linked to Collingwood

Another potential target for Collingwood this off-season is Melbourne’s 185-game key defender Adam Tomlinson. The 31-year-old has struggled for consistent game time with the Demons, playing just 45 games across five seasons. He has been linked with a move to the Magpies as they seek to address some depth issues in their backline.

Leppitsch acknowledged the club’s interest in Tomlinson but indicated that the move might not happen immediately. “We do have some list spot issues, we know we’ve got some key depth issues as well. That’s one, if it does happen, it’ll be later on,” Leppitsch explained.

Collingwood is not the only club showing interest in Tomlinson, but with their defensive needs a priority, the Magpies may pursue the deal later in the trade period once they have a clearer picture of their list and available spots.

John Noble Eyes Gold Coast Move

John Noble, a key figure in Collingwood’s side over the past five and a half years, has requested a trade to the Gold Coast Suns. Noble, who has played 112 games for the Magpies, is seeking a new challenge after being dropped from Collingwood’s premiership-winning side last September. His omission from the team is believed to have played a significant role in his decision to seek a move away from the club, despite being contracted until the end of 2026.

Leppitsch confirmed that discussions with the Gold Coast Suns were ongoing but noted that it could take a few days before any deal is finalized. “I’m not sure if it’s today or the next couple of days, but we are talking (with Gold Coast), which is a positive thing,” Leppitsch said. “Hopefully we get a result.”

Noble’s departure would be a significant loss for Collingwood, as the defender has been a consistent presence in the team since joining in 2019. However, the club appears willing to facilitate his move if it aligns with their broader trade objectives this off-season.

Collingwood Open to Trading Future First-Round Pick

With the potential for multiple high-profile moves, Collingwood has not ruled out the possibility of trading away their future first-round pick. This would provide the club with additional leverage in negotiations, particularly as they aim to bring in players like Dan Houston, who can make an immediate impact on the field.

Leppitsch emphasized the club’s desire to strike a balance between short-term success and long-term planning. “We’re open to anything; one thing we want to do is win now, but also be a part of our future,” Leppitsch explained. “If we felt like using that pick will help us achieve one or the other, we will do that. But we’re not going to just give that away.”

Currently, the Magpies hold picks 36, 51, and 54 in this year’s draft, but their willingness to part with future picks suggests that they are serious about making significant additions to their squad during this trade period.

A Pivotal Trade Period for the Magpies

With multiple moving parts and key decisions to be made, the next few weeks will be crucial for Collingwood as they navigate the trade period. The potential addition of experienced defenders like Houston and Tomlinson would bolster the team’s backline, while the departures of Richards and Noble would represent a reshuffling of the team’s assets.

As the reigning premiers, Collingwood is in a strong position to attract talent, but they will need to be strategic in their negotiations to ensure they maintain the balance between on-field success and future development.

Leppitsch and the club’s list management team will no doubt have their work cut out for them as they juggle multiple trade requests and potential acquisitions. But if the early signs are any indication, the Magpies are prepared to make bold moves to ensure they remain at the top of the AFL ladder.

With the trade period only just beginning, Collingwood fans will be eagerly watching to see how their club’s list shapes up for the 2025 season.