In a candid and emotional revelation, a former Collingwood star has disclosed the heart-wrenching details behind his unexpected departure to Hawthorn at the end of 2023. The player, who was a key figure for the Magpies, has described feeling “forced out” of the club that he once called home, citing a profound sense of being unwanted and unsupported as the primary reasons behind his controversial move.
“It wasn’t an easy decision by any means,” he confessed. “I never imagined I would be leaving Collingwood under such circumstances. I loved the club, the supporters, and the community, but it became clear that I was no longer part of their future plans. I was forced out, and that’s something that still hurts deeply.”
The former Magpies player went on to detail the emotional turmoil he faced during the months leading up to his exit. Despite his best efforts to remain a valuable asset to the team, he felt increasingly sidelined and ignored by the club’s management and coaching staff. The final blow came when, according to him, no one from Collingwood made any effort to keep him at the club.
“When Hawthorn offered me a four-year deal, it was an easy decision to make because, by then, I had already come to terms with the fact that Collingwood didn’t want me anymore. No one reached out, no one tried to make me feel like I was needed. It was clear that I had to move on, even though it was the last thing I wanted.”
The player’s comments have raised eyebrows across the AFL community, shedding light on the often harsh and unforgiving nature of professional sports. His departure from Collingwood, which had been shrouded in mystery and speculation, now seems to have been the result of a breakdown in communication and a lack of support from the club.
“It’s tough to leave a place that you’ve given so much to, and that’s given so much to you. But when you’re made to feel like an outsider, you start to question everything. It’s hard to keep fighting for a club that doesn’t seem to want you there anymore,” he explained.
His transition to Hawthorn, however, has been marked by a warm welcome and a renewed sense of purpose. The former Magpie revealed that shortly after news of his potential move surfaced, he was inundated with messages of encouragement from his future Hawthorn teammates.
“I had around 10 players reach out to me, telling me to come to the Hawks. It was overwhelming in the best possible way. After everything I had been through, it felt amazing to be wanted and appreciated again. It made the decision to move so much easier, knowing that I was going somewhere where I could be part of a team that values me.”
The move to Hawthorn represents a new beginning for the player, but it is clear that his departure from Collingwood has left a significant emotional scar. “I still feel bitter about how things ended,” he admitted. “I’ve given everything to Collingwood, and to be pushed out like that, against my will, it’s not something I can just forget. It’s going to take time to heal.”
Despite the painful circumstances of his exit, the player is determined to make the most of his fresh start at Hawthorn. He is eager to prove himself and contribute to the team’s success, even as he navigates the lingering feelings of resentment towards his former club.
“I’m here now, and I’m ready to give everything I have to Hawthorn. They’ve shown faith in me, and I want to repay that. I’m in a team that values me, and I’m going to do everything I can to help us succeed. But what happened at Collingwood will always be a part of my story. It’s something that’s going to drive me to be the best I can be.”
As he embarks on this new chapter, the former Collingwood star hopes that his experiences will serve as a reminder of the importance of communication and support in professional sports. For now, he is focused on the future, but the pain of his past departure is something that will not be easily forgotten.
