Aiden Begg’s Official Return to Collingwood Football Club
Collingwood Football Club has officially announced the return of Aiden Begg to the team, following months of speculation and anticipation. Begg’s re-signing is set to bolster the Pies’ ruck division and provide crucial depth as the club pushes towards its future goals.**
The announcement marks the end of a chapter for Aiden Begg, who had temporarily been sidelined from the senior list after a series of setbacks but is now officially back to represent the Magpies at the highest level.
Aiden Begg, the 21-year-old ruckman, was drafted by Collingwood in 2020 as a promising tall prospect, showcasing his potential in the VFL before making an impression during his limited AFL appearances. Begg’s athleticism and agility, combined with his height (standing at 203 cm), made him an intriguing prospect for Collingwood’s ruck stocks, a position that has long been a critical area for the club.
However, his journey to becoming a regular fixture in the AFL team has not been without its challenges. After making his AFL debut in 2022, Begg was forced to deal with a series of injuries and fitness issues that delayed his development. Despite these setbacks, his work ethic and commitment to improvement have not wavered. Begg’s resilience, both physically and mentally, has been admired by his teammates and coaches, and it is this determination that has earned him another shot at playing at the elite level.
The announcement of his return has been met with excitement and optimism from Collingwood supporters who have seen the club’s ruck division become an area of great importance in recent seasons. With the return of Begg, the Pies are now set to have more flexibility and depth in the middle, particularly with Brodie Grundy’s departure and the growing need for reliable ruck support.
Begg’s ruckcraft is built on agility and a good sense of positioning around the ground. His aerial abilities allow him to contest in ruck duels, while his mobility for a player of his size gives him an edge when moving around the ground. His tap work and ball-handling skills have also been a focal point of his development, especially in terms of linking with midfielders and providing them with clean first possession.
Despite his injury history, Begg has impressed in VFL performances, where he has shown a strong work rate and an increasing ability to read the play. Collingwood has placed a heavy emphasis on developing Begg’s skills in contested situations, and if he can remain fit, there is significant belief in the club’s coaching staff that he can become a key player in their ruck division in the years to come.
In 2023, Begg continued to be part of the Collingwood system, playing vital minutes in the VFL to continue his development and push for a senior recall. His patience and persistence over this period have paid off, with his consistent performances and growth in his game serving as the foundation for his return to the senior list.
Begg has been compared to some of the AFL’s top ruckmen in terms of his potential. His mix of height, mobility, and work ethic has led some pundits to suggest that, with the right coaching and support, he could eventually evolve into one of the league’s most versatile big men. While he still has much to prove at AFL level, the building blocks are there for a promising career.
The re-signing of Begg has come at a crucial time for Collingwood. The club’s ruck division has seen a lot of change over the past few seasons. With Brodie Grundy departing for Melbourne in 2023 after a long stint with the Pies, and the rise of star ruckman Darcy Cameron, the Magpies have been reshaping their ruck resources. Cameron, who has been a revelation for Collingwood since stepping up as a regular in the senior team, will undoubtedly benefit from the added competition and depth provided by Begg’s return.
Additionally, the presence of experienced ruckmen like Mason Cox and the emerging talent in Begg provides coach Craig McRae with a wealth of options in the middle. Cox, the American-born big man, has enjoyed a renaissance in recent seasons and is known for his aerial strength and competitive spirit. He and Begg will complement each other well, offering different styles of ruck work while competing for opportunities to cement their place in the starting lineup.
The Collingwood coaching staff will likely utilize a rotation system for their rucks, playing each of their tall men in roles that best suit their strengths while also giving them the chance to develop. In particular, the club is likely to take a long-term approach with Begg, easing him into AFL action and focusing on his growth as a player rather than rushing him into the senior team.
For Collingwood, the return of Aiden Begg is a significant statement about their long-term strategy. The club’s commitment to developing young talent and focusing on sustainability is clear, and the return of a player like Begg, who has faced adversity and shown resilience, speaks volumes about Collingwood’s culture.
Begg’s potential to become a mainstay in the Pies’ ruck division offers the club a foundation for the future. With veteran leadership from players like Cox, Cameron, and others, the young ruckman has an opportunity to continue developing under the guidance of some of the best in the business.
As a team that made it to the finals in 2023 and has high ambitions moving forward, the depth and competition in the ruck department will only serve to strengthen Collingwood’s chances of sustained success. The return of Begg adds to the mix of versatile and talented players in the squad, and his evolution into a key ruckman could be the missing link that further enhances Collingwood’s premiership aspirations.
Now that Aiden Begg has officially re-signed with Collingwood, the focus will shift to his performance in the coming months. He will be eager to prove himself and show that he can overcome the injuries that have hindered his progress in the past. The next step in his journey will be proving his fitness, consistency, and ability to perform under the bright lights of the AFL.
Begg will likely spend significant time training with Collingwood’s high-performance staff to ensure that he is at his peak for the upcoming season. His ruck craft will continue to be a work in progress, but he has shown the desire and work ethic to take the next step in his development.
Collingwood supporters will be hoping that Begg can stay healthy and find his rhythm at AFL level. If he can continue to progress, there is a strong possibility that he will form a key part of the club’s future ruck setup.
Aiden Begg’s official return to Collingwood is an exciting development for the club, providing them with greater depth and flexibility in the ruck division as they continue their push for success. With his combination of height, agility, and raw potential, Begg has the tools to become a key contributor for Collingwood in the coming years.
For Begg himself, this is a moment of triumph after years of hard work and perseverance, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the AFL level is within his grasp. While there are no guarantees in football, the Magpies’ faith in his talent suggests that he could be a crucial part of the club’s future success.
As Collingwood fans eagerly await the next chapter in Aiden Begg’s career, all eyes will be on him as he looks to fulfill the promise that made him such an exciting prospect when he was first drafted. With a strong pre-season and a healthy run of form, Begg could be one of the players to watch in 2024 and beyond, playing an integral role in the team’s quest for glory.
