Crisp and Mihocek deals cap a red-letter day for the black-and-white brigade
Jack Crisp has turned his back on free agency to remain at Collingwood, while Brody Mihocek has agreed to a two-year contract extension.
Crisp, who could be in the running to be the Magpies’ next captain following Scott Pendlebury’s decision to step down from the role, loomed to be one of the most high-profile free agents in 2023.
But in what the Magpies said was a “red-letter day”, the 29-year-old has committed to Collingwood for the next three years.
Crisp said he was excited for the future at Collingwood.
“I’m more than happy to stay at Collingwood,” Crisp said.
“I think after the year we just experienced there are a lot of players, staff and coaches that are really hungry for success. I’m very keen to stay and see what we can do.”
Crisp is coming off an outstanding 2022 for the Magpies, in which he received his second straight E.W Copeland trophy and polled the equal highest in the Brownlow Medal count for Collingwood.
Mihocek signed a two-year extension after he was again the Pies’ leading goal-kicker with 41 majors in 2022.
Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright said the club was pleased to lock them away early.
“Both players have proven to be consistent performers and, particularly over the past few years, have played a key role in our side’s success,” he said.
“Jack has not only been highly durable but a highly consistent elitelevel performer for our club – he has elite training standards and has really developed as a leader in our midfield and among the wider program.
“Brody is a model teammate on and off the field with his work ethic, courage and selflessness setting him apart.”
Meanwhile, Carlton has suffered a significant blow to its 2023 campaign with star midfielder Sam Walsh ruled out indefinitely after undergoing back surgery on Thursday.
Walsh, 22, is certain to miss the first month of next season, and most likely longer. It’s a big setback to the Blues’ quest for their first finals appearance in a decade after they came so agonisingly close this year.