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Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy announced his retirement from the AFL on Tuesday (April 16). The 24-year-old was advised to medically retire by the league's concussion panel based on his concussion history.
He suffered an estimated 10 concussions in his career, with the most notable one happening during the Magpies 2023 Grand Final triumph.
Murphy's retirement leaves open a slot in Collingwood's roster, so the Magpies will look for a replacement for their retired defender. They could decide to wait till the off-season before bringing a replacement or utilize the upcoming mid-season draft as an opportunity to bolster their squad.
In ths listicle, we highlight five players who could replace Nathan Murphy at Collingwood.
#5 Ben Hopkins
If the Magpies decide to use the mid-season draft to replace Nathan Murphy, one highly rated prospect they could consider bringing in is Ben Hopkins.
The 18-year-old defender who plays for the Dandenong Stingrays is one of the most promising talents in the Talent League. Hopkins has displayed good work rate, speed and ability to read the play behind the ball.
Although he's primarily a defender Hopkins can also be deployed up forward or in via the wings due to his high endurance level and speed. If drafted by Collingwood he would be more of a long-term replacement than a quick fix.
#4 Tom Highmore
Former St Kilda star Tom Highmore is one player the Magpies could bring in to fill in for the retired Murphy.
Highmore, a 2020 Draft by the Saints, is currently a free agent. The club delisted the 26-year-old at the end of last season after playing just 16 AFL games in two years.
The ex-Saints man may not have had a stellar AFL career like Murphy, but his experience playing in the league could count for the Pies. Playing for a much better Collingwood side, Highmore could go on to become a key backman.
#3 Nick Haynes
Another free option the Magpies might consider at the end of the season is Nick Haynes. The veteran defender is in the final year of his contract at Greater Western Sydney and could be a short-term backup for Murphy.
With over 200 AFL games to his name, the 31-year-old would bring years of experience to bolster the Pies' backline. Drafted in 2011, Haynes is one of the Giants' inaugural players from their first season
#2 Jack Henry
Geelong backman Jack Henry is another option Collingwood could look at to fill the vacant spot on their roster. Henry, a key defender for the Cats, would be a like-for-like replacement for the retired Murphy.
He has lots of experience, with 24 goals in 120 AFL games since his debut in 2018. Furthermore, he's a premiership player, making him the right fit for the club.
However, to rope in Henry, the Magpies will have to wait till the off-season. The 25-year-old is still contracted to Geelong but will become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
#1 Jacob Blight
Another mid-season draft option the Pies could consider is Jacob Plight who plays for WAFL side Peel Thunder. The 23-year-old is one of the highly rated youngsters in the state league. He made the WAFL Team of the Year last year and has also been in good form this term.
Like Murphy, Blight is a key defender and possesses the necessary physical and technical skills to excel in the AFL. He signed a contract extension with the Thunder early in the year, but if Collingwidd comes calling, the youngster could bid farewell to the WAFL.
