Challenging the Critics: Why Collingwood’s Leader Dismisses Claims of Being ‘Too Old’

Collingwood president Barry Carp has firmly refuted any suggestions that the club is poised to face “challenging times” in the years ahead.

The Magpies are currently focused on clinching a premiership in 2025, which would see them field the oldest team ever to lift the trophy.

Additionally, their roster won’t be getting any younger in 2024, as most of their ten players aged over 30 are expected to continue playing until 2026.

Come the 2026 Grand Final, the Magpies could potentially have as many as 16 players over the age of 30 on their roster, assuming no changes are made.

A history of extended premiership runs often leads to abrupt declines, with recent examples being West Coast and Richmond, although Geelong has managed to extend their success through astute list management.

Matthew Lloyd, speaking on 3AW before Carp, expressed his belief that Collingwood is “all-in” on securing a premiership in 2025, posing the question of whether Carp has concerns about the impending transition as the club’s veteran players retire and whether tough times may be on the horizon.

In response, Carp maintains that the club is well-equipped with young talent who are gaining invaluable experience alongside seasoned players.

“I’ve heard that narrative, and I genuinely believe we have a fantastic opportunity for our young players to learn from veterans like Steele (Sidebottom), Jeremy Howe, and Scott Pendlebury,” Carp shared with 3AW.

“As someone with experience in running businesses, I see it as an incredible chance for younger players to develop with those seasoned professionals around them.

“I don’t identify with the narrative that suggests a downturn. I see it as an overwhelmingly positive situation.

“We’re fortunate to have the very best people involved, and ultimately, it’s all about the individuals to ensure that the scenario you’re proposing doesn’t materialise.”

Carp also expressed his support for AFL chief Andrew Dillon’s recent decision to bolster his executive team.

Dillon announced on Thursday that he would be dividing executive Laura Kane’s responsibilities to make the workload more manageable.

“I think anything that aids Andrew Dillon in his role as CEO is fantastic. We should all be very optimistic and supportive of the executive changes he’s implementing; I think it’s a positive move,” he concluded.