๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ค
In a shock move that has sent ripples through the AFL community, the ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ has officially secured the signature of former Essendon midfielder Ben Hobbs, just weeks after his surprise delisting from the Bombers.
The 22-year-old was originally drafted as Pick 13 in the 2021 AFL Draft and was long considered one of Essendonโs brightest young prospects. Known for his aggression around the contest, ball-winning ability, and relentless tackling pressure, Hobbsโ sudden exit from Tullamarine raised eyebrows across the league.
Sources close to the Magpies confirm that recruitment discussions began almost immediately after Essendon made their decision. Collingwoodโs football department, led by Graham Wright and Craig McRae, reportedly saw an opportunity to add depth and intensity to their midfield brigade โ one already boasting the likes of Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, and Tom Mitchell.
Hobbs, who averaged 19 disposals and 5 tackles per game in 2024, is eager to revive his AFL journey in black and white. โIโm grateful for the chance to start fresh,โ Hobbs said during his official signing announcement at the AIA Centre. โCollingwoodโs culture speaks for itself โ I just want to earn my spot and contribute to something special.โ
For the reigning premiers, the move reflects their ongoing commitment to sustaining success through shrewd list management and player development. Fans have already embraced the signing online, calling it a โmasterstrokeโ and a โperfect Magpies fit.โ
With pre-season training only weeks away, all eyes will be on Ben Hobbs โ and whether the former Bomber can rise again under the bright lights of the Collingwood banner.
