Collingwood fans could soon be welcoming another father-son draft pick into the fold, as 16-year-old Thomas McGuane, the son of Collingwood’s 1990 premiership player Mick McGuane, is making waves in the Coates Talent League. A standout performer for the Western Jets, young McGuane is quickly building a name for himself in the AFL’s next generation.
Mick McGuane is a revered figure in Collingwood’s history, having played 152 games for the Pies between 1987 and 1996, winning two best-and-fairest awards, being named All-Australian in 1992, and securing the prestigious Goal of the Year award in 1994. After an illustrious career at Collingwood, he played an additional three games for Carlton before hanging up his boots in 1997.
His son Thomas, despite only being 16, is already drawing attention for his remarkable performances as an underage player in the Coates Talent League. Draft eligible in 2025, the younger McGuane is currently dominating on the wing, averaging 25.1 disposals, 4.8 marks, and 3.8 inside 50s per game. Standing at 177 cm, Thomas is still lightly built compared to his peers, making his ability to influence games even more impressive.
Thomas McGuane’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by AFL scouts and commentators. SEN Future Stars hosts John Donohoe and player agent James Pitcher, who represents big-name players like Darcy Moore and Jacob Weitering, recently praised McGuane’s performances on their show.
Donohoe highlighted the Western Jets’ thrilling three-point win over the Northern Knights, where McGuane’s impact stood out. Pitcher followed up by lauding McGuane’s versatility and consistent performances throughout the season. “Tommy is a sort of half-back flanker, wing, midfield type that uses the ball really well,” Pitcher said, emphasizing his remarkable disposal counts in recent weeks – including performances with 38, 31, and 24 disposals.
What makes McGuane’s success even more notable is the Western Jets’ current standing in the competition. Sitting eighth out of 18 teams, the Jets aren’t considered the strongest squad, yet McGuane has been able to shine even when the game doesn’t always go their way. Pitcher pointed out how impressive it is for McGuane to consistently find his own footy in a side where support isn’t always forthcoming. “He’s a name that we need to look out for at the end of next year as a father-son,” Pitcher added, suggesting that McGuane could easily be a top-10 or top-15 pick in the 2025 AFL Draft.
Donohoe echoed these sentiments, calling McGuane’s current form “scary” given his age and hinting at even bigger things to come next season. “To think what he could potentially do next year if he’s doing that now – he’s going to be right up there.”
Beyond his performances for the Jets, McGuane is also likely to play for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League (EDFL), where his father Mick coaches the senior team. This connection adds another layer to the McGuane family legacy, with Mick passing on his wealth of football knowledge and experience to his son.
For Collingwood supporters, the prospect of Thomas McGuane pulling on the black and white guernsey in the future is an exciting one. With his natural football talent, impressive work rate, and strong football pedigree, McGuane is well on his way to becoming a key figure in the AFL, and perhaps even another father-son success story for the Collingwood Football Club.
The Western Jets are set to continue their campaign on June 29, when they take on the Oakleigh Chargers at MacPherson Park. Fans of both the Jets and Collingwood will be watching closely as Thomas McGuane’s promising journey continues to unfold.
