James Hird and Jimmy Bartel have scrutinised Collingwood’s seasoned roster to assess who should have their contracts extended for 2026, and who will need to wait until the year’s end for a verdict.
This season, the Magpies not only boast the oldest list in the league, but a premiership victory would make them the most senior team to claim the title in VFL/AFL history.
Currently, the veteran squad is performing exceedingly well, sitting at the top of the ladder after winning five straight matches.
Scott Pendlebury continues to excel at 37. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Nonetheless, crucial decisions lie ahead in the coming months, and both Bartel and Hird expressed their opinions on whether the club should extend contracts now or defer decisions until the end of the season.
This is what they shared on Nine’s Footy Furnace.
Tim Membrey
Bartel: Hold.
Hird: Hold.
Jack Crisp
Bartel: Re-sign.
Hird: Re-sign.
Will Hoskin-Elliott
Bartel: Re-sign.
Hird: Re-sign.
Tom Mitchell
Bartel: Hold.
Hird: Hold.
Brody Mihocek
Bartel: Re-sign.
Hird: Re-sign.
Jamie Elliott
Bartel: Re-sign.
Hird: Re-sign.
Will Mason Cox continue in 2026? AFL Photos via Getty Images
Mason Cox
Bartel: Hold.
Hird: Hold.
Steele Sidebottom
Bartel: Re-sign.
Hird: Re-sign.
Jeremy Howe
Bartel: Re-sign.
Hird: Re-sign.
Scott Pendlebury
Bartel: Re-sign. Offer him a 10-year deal.
Hird: Re-sign.
Steele Sidebottom, 2025 Anzac Medal recipient AFL Photos via Getty Images
Tom Morris contributed to the discussion, indicating that the Magpies are internally content with their current roster.
“It’s interesting; many of them are set to keep playing, and their list is only going to age further, but they appear quite at ease with that,” Morris remarked.
Hird added, “At some point, they will inevitably face a decline, but just re-sign them. They’ve had a brilliant start to the season.”
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