Collingwood sends Emotional Farewell Message to Legend and fans.

Collingwood sends Emotional Farewell Message to Legend and fans.

In a move that signals both transition and renewal, Collingwood Football Club has officially parted ways with Josh Fraser as Head of Development — a shift that will reshape how the club nurtures its next generation.

Fraser’s Departure & New Opportunity

Fraser has accepted an Assistant Coach role at the Carlton Football Club, leaving Collingwood after a return stint that began in 2023. His history with Collingwood runs deep: he was the club’s first-ever No. 1 draft pick back in 1999 and went on to play 200 games before ending his playing days at Gold Coast.

While with Collingwood this season, he donned multiple hats: he led the Club’s player development program and stepped up to assist with coaching the AFL side’s forward line when Scott Selwood was unavailable.

The club remarked, “We thank Josh and his family for their contribution to Collingwood and wish him all the best for the future.”

How Collingwood’s Development Team Will Evolve

With Fraser’s exit, Collingwood is making structural adjustments to fill the gap and open new pathways. One key change: Neville Jetta, currently a Development Coach in the AFL program, will transition to a new role as NGA First Nations & Multicultural Lead within the club’s “Future Magpies” setup.

This move signals that Collingwood isn’t just replacing roles; it’s refining how it approaches talent development, diversity, and cultural leadership in its future ranks.

Why It Matters

Continuity vs. change: Fraser’s departure comes at a time when stability in development roles is critical. A sudden shift can disrupt youth programs and emerging talent pathways.

Talent & culture balance: By assigning Jetta to a lead role for First Nations and multicultural engagement, Collingwood is emphasizing both football growth and community inclusion.

Wider ripple effects: Coaching staff changes often echo through the club — from training approaches to player mentoring, to strategic priorities for youth setups.

Looking Ahead

Fraser’s move to Carlton may draw attention, but for Collingwood, the narrative isn’t about loss — it’s about evolution. As the club reassigns personnel and refines its development architecture, the focus remains on bringing through stars, embedding cultural values, and creating sustainable pipelines into the AFL.