Collingwood has made a third selection in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, re-drafting midfielder Bryan ‘Strauchnie’ Strauchan.
Recruited from Horsham, Strauchan re-joins the Collingwood list after originally being drafted with the last selection of the 2004 National Draft.
Strauchan retired in 2009, without playing a game for Collingwood, but made six seperate appearances for Victoria in the E.J Whitten Legends Game between 2007 and 2012. In 2009, Strauchan was named as Co-Captain of Victoria.
The 41-year-old is set to once again don the number 59 for Collingwood and will reunite with former teammates Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.
After a chance meeting with General Manager of List and Talent Justin Leppitsch and Senior Coach Craig McRae at the AIA Vitality Centre on Wednesaday, Strauchan was gifted with a second chance at pursuing his AFL dream through the Mid-Season Draft.
Following the news he would be re-joining the Pies, Strauchan was full of praise for the Club (and himself).
“Strauchanie is back home where he belongs. In the black and white,” said Strauchan.
“It’s great for football, great for Australia, and great for world sport.”
The 41-year-old also reflected on the leadership and versatility he will bring to the Club, the second time around.
“Strauchnie is the first to admit that his attitude has not been at AFL level. It has been at legends level, which is actually higher,” he said.
“I can play inside. I can play outside. I can go forward.
“This time I am not going to let the opportunity pass. Strauchanie is going to do the work.
“I’m already wondering, who is going to play Strauchanie in the movie?”
Strauchan will commence training with the Club immediately, but has admitted he will be unavailable for training this Thursday due to the 30th birthday of a close friend in his home town of Horsham.
