Prior to the 2025 preseason, Collingwood confirmed the return of former assistant coach Matthew Boyd.
Boyd, who spent the last four years with Fremantle under Dockers senior coach and former Magpies colleague Justin Longmuir, will return to Victoria.
The 42-year-old, who has been in charge of Fremantle’s defence since the 2021 campaign, is returning to Melbourne for family reasons and will start a new position with Collingwood in November.
“We are happy to have Matthew and his family return to our club,” stated Brendan Bolton, the football manager of Collingwood.
Matthew began his coaching career at Collingwood and later worked under Justin Longmuir at Fremantle to hone his skills.
In addition to being a highly successful player, he was a highly respected assistant coach for six years.
“We are so happy that Matthew has joined our program, and we also want to welcome his wife Kate and their three kids, James, Asher, and Chloe.”
Boyd began his AFL career in 2002 with the Western Bulldogs and brings over twenty years of experience to Collingwood. The gritty defender appeared in 292 games for the red, white, and blue, and he contributed to the team’s historic 2016 Premiership.
Over his 15 seasons with the Bulldogs, whom he led from 2011 to 2013, the new Magpies assistant also won three best and fairests and three selections to the All-Australian team.
Boyd stated, “It has been an incredibly difficult decision to make,” upon leaving the Dockers.
“My family and I are sad to be leaving the Club, but we have enjoyed our time as members of the Freo family.
“My family and I will be closely observing this group, as I genuinely think they are capable of great things.
“The Freo family will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Following an off-field shake-up in Collingwood’s football department ahead of the new season, Boyd lands at Olympic Park. Bolton and Justin Leppitsch have assumed more significant positions.
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