Collingwood premiership hero Will Hoskin-Elliott will hope to deliver one more flag for the Magpies before riding off into the sunset after announcing his retirement on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old, who has so far played 242 AFL games and was a key member of the Magpies’ 2023 premiership team, said he was “proud” of his career but had decided to bring it to a close after this year’s finals series.
“I’m proud and honoured to call myself a Collingwood player and I have loved my time in the black and white. I leave with incredible memories, lifelong friendships and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this season holds for us,” he said.
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Six weeks ago the Magpies were short priced favourites to give Hoskin-Elliott the rarest of farewell games, with his team well clear at the top of the table and with an experienced core driving them towards premiership glory.
Will Hoskin-Elliott (left) and Lachlan Sullivan celebrate during Collingwood’s round 20 win over Richmond. AFL Photos via Getty Images
All that has changed with five losses from their last six games dropping them into fourth place, which has put some serious urgency around a return to form heading into their last game of the regular season against Melbourne on Friday night.
Win and they could still finish as high as third, but lose and they could drop as far as eighth. The stakes are high and the retirement announcement of a club favourite could provide an extra spur, not that any additional motivation should be needed for a club that has somewhat lost its on-field identity in recent weeks.
A handy goalkicker, Hoskin-Elliott has kicked 198 career goals and is in reach of the magical 200 milestone with at least two games remaining before he hangs up the boots.
“Will has been a pivotal member of our club for the past nine years and we congratulate him on incredible career,” Collingwood EGM of Football Charlie Gardiner said.
“To play upwards of 240 AFL games and achieve the ultimate success in 2023 is something Will should be very proud of, and he will leave a long-lasting legacy on the Collingwood Football Club.
“A much-loved teammate and highly respected throughout the league, Will has been a consistent figure in our side since he arrived at the club. This is a credit to his dedication and professionalism.”
Hoskin-Elliott started his career at GWS in 2012, spending five years and featuring in 52 games at the Giants before being traded to the Magpies.
His game went to a new level at Collingwood and by the time he finishes up in the black and white he will be just short of being a 200-gamer at his second club.
“Running out in the black and white, alongside my teammates, with the Magpie Army behind us, is so special. The feeling of hearing ‘Collingwood’ echo around the MCG, knowing we have such incredible fans, is what makes me so proud to play for Collingwood,” Hoskin-Elliott said.
“Thank you to GWS, who gave me my first crack at AFL football, and to everyone at the Pies who have welcomed me and my family – there’s something special about seeing the kids run around the rooms after a game.”