“Plenty left to give”: Cut Collingwood midfielder sets sights on fourth AFL club – AFL News

Delisted Collingwood veteran Tom Mitchell has confirmed he’s “hoping the journey isn’t finished” for his AFL career, with the Brownlow Medal winner aiming to join a fourth AFL club.

The 32-year-old was not offered an extension by the Magpies following the cessation of the trade period, with ruckman Mason Cox also cut from Collingwood’s list over the weekend.

The decision not to re-sign Mitchell comes after an injury-hit pair of campaigns for the onballer, who has played just 10 games since helping the Magpies to the 2023 premiership.

A plantar fascia issue and a foot stress fracture were among the setbacks Mitchell faced, with the former Swan and Hawk not sighted at AFL level between Anzac Day last year and July 2025.

Mitchell is remaining “fit and ready for another opportunity” after departing the Magpies in the hope of securing a career lifeline. 

“Chapter three was the best yet. Arrived with a bad set of feathers and left with no hair, lifelong friends, a kid on the way and a premiership,” Mitchell wrote in a post to Instagram on Sunday. 

“Will miss all of my team mates, coaches, the staff and everyone involved with the club. A seriously incredible bunch. To the Collingwood fans, you guys are incredible. Thank you for embracing me and providing the team with the best game day experience you can get in world sport, when that chant echoes across the stadium.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 07: Tom Mitchell of the Magpies is tackled by Lachie Sullivan of the Magpies during a Collingwood Magpies AFL training session at AIA Centre on February 07, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)

“After reaching the lifelong dream in 2023, the last few years were bloody tough with injury in 2024 and selection in 2025 but I prided myself on being a great teammate and clubman during these times. Thanks to all of the people in my corner for your support when the resilience was tested. You know who you all are.

“I’m hoping the journey isn’t finished and have plenty left to give so staying fit and ready for another opportunity. Looking forward to the premiership reunions in the years to come but equally as excited for the next chapter whatever that may look like.

“Grateful to be a premiership pie for life. Thank you.”

Mitchell firms as an experienced inside option for any club in the market for midfield depth, with the two-time All-Australian still averaging 23.25 disposals, 6.00 tackles, 4.00 inside 50s and 3.00 clearances per game in 2025. 

Delisted free agency will open prior to next month’s AFL Draft, giving Mitchell his first window to potentially secure another chance, while the national, rookie and pre-season drafts will also be held in late November.

The Supplemental Selection Period looms as the most likely option for a player in Mitchell’s position, given most clubs would have most of their list planning finalised this late into the off-season. 

The SSP will open after the AFL Draft period, giving clubs who still have list spots remaining the chance to have train-on players for their pre-season programs. 

Mitchell has 207 games of AFL experience, with his career-best campaign in 2018 winning him a Brownlow Medal, the Leigh Matthews Trophy, Hawthorn’s best and fairest title and an All-Australian blazer.