In a stunning and unexpected development that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, Collingwood Football Club owner Barry Carp has announced a sudden overhaul of the club’s coaching staff following the team’s disappointing loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) last night.
The Magpies’ narrow defeat has clearly struck a nerve within the club’s hierarchy, prompting Carp to make what he described as “a decisive move to protect the future and integrity of the Collingwood Football Club.”
“This club has a proud history and an even brighter future,” Carp stated in a hastily arranged press conference early Tuesday morning. “But to reach that future, we need to make bold decisions today. The performance we saw at the MCG was unacceptable by our standards, and change was necessary.”
While details are still emerging, multiple sources within the club confirm that Head Coach Nathan Ellis and several members of his senior coaching panel have been relieved of their duties effective immediately. Assistant coach Darren Hodge is expected to take interim charge while the club begins an “extensive search” for a new coaching structure ahead of the next AFL season.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Collingwood’s heartbreaking 11-point loss, which saw a late fourth-quarter collapse despite a strong start. Fans, who only weeks ago were celebrating the team’s resurgence, have taken to social media expressing a mix of disbelief and cautious optimism.
“It’s shocking, but maybe it’s the shake-up we need,” wrote one supporter on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve been inconsistent all year. Something had to give.”
Club insiders suggest that tensions between Carp and Ellis had been simmering for weeks, particularly over team selection decisions and training methodologies.
A formal statement from Collingwood FC is expected later today, outlining interim leadership plans and confirming which members of the support staff will remain in their positions.
As speculation mounts over potential replacements, early rumors link former premiership coach Michael Voss and rising coaching talent Blake McDonald to the top job.
One thing is clear: the Magpies’ off-field drama has just become as captivating as their on-field battles.
This story is developing. More updates to follow as details emerge.
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