Fin Macrae has been informed he won’t be offered a contract for 2026. The midfielder played 21 games since being….

In a development that has sent ripples through the Collingwood Football Club community, Fin Macrae has been informed he will not be offered a contract for the 2026 AFL season. The 23-year-old midfielder, who was drafted with high expectations and carried the reputation of being a composed ball-winner, has struggled to cement a permanent role in the club’s best 22. Despite flashes of promise, the Magpies hierarchy has decided to move in a different direction as they reshape their list for the future.

Macrae’s journey with Collingwood began when he was selected with pick 19 in the 2020 AFL Draft. Touted as a classy midfielder with elite decision-making and composure in congestion, he was often compared to established stars for his poise and ability to accumulate possessions. Supporters were excited by the prospect of him becoming a long-term fixture in the engine room alongside names like Jordan De Goey, Jack Crisp, and Nick Daicos. However, injuries, form fluctuations, and the intense competition for midfield spots limited his opportunities.

Over his five seasons with the Magpies, Macrae managed 21 senior appearances. Though not prolific in terms of games played, he was admired internally for his professionalism, resilience, and attitude on the training track. Coaches often praised his ability to win the ball at VFL level and his work ethic in pushing for senior selection. In 2022 and 2023, he dominated in the reserves, regularly finishing among the best, but the stacked midfield line-up made it difficult for him to break through consistently.

This season, Macrae featured sparingly as Collingwood pushed for another finals campaign. With the emergence of younger players and the continued dominance of the club’s established stars, list management officials made the tough call not to extend his contract beyond 2025. While the decision may not come as a complete shock, it remains a bittersweet moment for both player and supporters who hoped to see more of his potential fulfilled at the highest level.

For Macrae, the door is far from closed. Several rival clubs are expected to keep an eye on his availability, particularly those seeking to bolster their midfield depth with a hard-working and intelligent on-ball option. At just 23, he still has ample time to carve out a successful AFL career elsewhere. Players in similar positions have found fresh starts rewarding, and Macrae’s professionalism suggests he could thrive in the right environment.

Collingwood, meanwhile, will look to reinvest in emerging talent as they balance their list strategy. With the AFL landscape becoming increasingly competitive, tough decisions on fringe players are inevitable. Coach Craig McRae has spoken openly about the importance of list flexibility, and the club appears committed to fostering the next generation while maintaining their premiership credentials.

For now, Fin Macrae departs with gratitude for his time at Collingwood and the admiration of teammates who valued his persistence and team-first approach. Though his tenure at the Holden Centre did not reach the heights once anticipated, his story is not yet complete. Whether through the draft, free agency, or a supplementary spot, Macrae has the chance to write the next chapter of his AFL journey—and those who have seen him play know he still has plenty to offer.