In a move that has sent ripples through the AFL world, Collingwood Football Club has officially signed former Essendon midfielder Ben Hobbs after his surprising delisting by the Bombers. The Magpies wasted no time securing the 21-year-old talent, who was once considered one of the most promising young midfielders in the league.
Hobbs, the No. 13 pick in the 2021 AFL Draft, brings intensity, grit, and ball-winning ability to a Collingwood side already stacked with midfield depth. His arrival signals the club’s clear intent to strengthen its core ahead of next season, ensuring fresh energy and competition in the engine room.
Reports suggest that Collingwood’s recruitment team had been tracking Hobbs for months, impressed by his relentless pressure, tackling tenacity, and leadership qualities despite limited opportunities at Essendon. Coach Craig McRae is said to be “thrilled” about the addition, describing Hobbs as “the kind of player who fits perfectly into the Magpie culture.”
For Hobbs, the move marks a fresh start and a second chance to reignite his AFL career under a system that values hunger and hard work. Fans have already taken to social media, celebrating the signing and calling it “one of the smartest pick-ups of the off-season.”
As Collingwood prepares for another title push, one thing is certain – Ben Hobbs’ arrival could be the spark that keeps the black-and-white machine rolling into another dominant era.
