Collingwood will lose an important part of its forward line with key tall Brody Mihocek to join Melbourne for the 2026 season.
The 32-year-old joins the Demons as an unrestricted free agent with reports suggesting the player has chosen Melbourne's three-year deal over the Magpies' two-year offer on less money.
Mihocek joined Collingwood as a 25-year-old mature age recruit in 2018, playing 159 games and kicking 267 goals.
He was a part of the 2023 Magpies premiership team and won the club's goalkicking every season between 2019 and 2023.
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“Brody has played a key role within our football program over the past eight years, and we thank him for his contribution to the black and white,” Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said via statement.
“We respect Brody’s decision to pursue his free agency rights and explore opportunities at Melbourne.
“We wish him, his partner Polly and their son Arthur all the best for this next chapter. As a 2023 premiership player, Brody will always be a Collingwood person.”
Mihocek will join the Demons for next season - led my new coach Steven King.
The veteran forward will compete for a spot in the Demons forward line with the likes of Harrison Petty, Jacob van Rooyen and Matthew Jefferson.