October 2005
Malthouse steps down
In breaking news today, Mick Malthouse has stepped down as the coach of the Collingwood Football Club. After the club finished 15th in the season just gone, following on from a bottom 4 position in 2004, he has decided it is best for him to leave. "I think it's best for me to step down, as I haven't reached not only the club goals, but personal goals, in the past two seasons." he said in his press conference today. "This is a great football club, and I have enjoyed my six years at the club, however it is in it's best interest for me to go, and let someone else get the side back to a stronger position." Malthouse was quite confident that the decision was the right one, and had no regrets.
Mick's coaching career began in 1983, following his retirement as a player, and took charge of Footscray. A move West to the Eagles saw him make 3 grand finals, winning 2 premierships in 1992 and 1994. In 2000 he coached the club out of Victoria Park, and lead the team to two consecutive grand finals, despite the results.
Crosisca appointed Pies coach
Ex-Collingwood half back Gavin Crosisca has been appointed the new coach of the Collingwood Football Club. Crosisca played 246 games with the Magpies between 1987 and 2000, including being part of the 1990 premiership side. The Queenslander who has had roles with North Melbourne and Hawthorn has been a real hit to coaches over his comittment to the lead role. He has also been head coach in the VFL for North Ballarat.
"It is a great opportunity, especially to coach the club you played for your whole career" said Crosisca today. "I've always loved to become a senior coach and this is just a dream come true." Crosisca has the task of delisting and recruiting straight up of trade week. A big job awaits.
Woewodin axed along with 6 others
Shane Woewodin has been delisted in a huge clean out of the Collingwood Football Club by the coaching staff today. The Brownlow medallist of 2000 has been axed after an ordinary 2005 season, and being labelled 'too slow'. Woewodin played 200 games in his AFL career, including 2 grand finals. In what was one of the biggest cuts in recent history, Woewodin said his AFL career is far from over "I think i've still got the required skill and hopefully can be drafted by another club" he said.
Former West Coast utility Andrew Williams, injury plagued Tom Davidson, Matthew Lokan, David King, Billy Morrison and son of Tony, Brayden Shaw were also delisted in a huge cut list at Lexus Centre. Both Ben Davies and David Fanning were elevated off the rookie list, onto vacant senior spots.
Cole a Bomber
Collingwood indigenous ball carrier Richard Cole was traded to Essendon as part of trade week. Collingwood off-loaded the 56 game player to the Bombers for second round pick, no.23 overall. Richard Cole came sixth in the Magpies best and fairest in 2003, but his form of late has been not up to standards.
New Coach: Crosisca played 246 games with the Magpies