Collingwood coach has opted to step away from football with immediate effect

Collingwood assistant coach Scott Selwood has opted to step away from football for the 2026 season, and will spend time overseas, and explore opportunities away from the game.

Selwood has spent the past six years at the Pies following his retirement from the AFL at the end of 2019.

The 35-year-old initially started his time at the AIA Centre as a development coach, before joining the senior line as an assistant in 2021, taking care of the forward and midfield groups.

Selwood’s influence was felt during the club’s 2023 premiership, helping Hayden Skipworth with the on-ballers.

Prior to coaching, Selwood played 169 games with both West Coast (135 games) and Geelong (34 games) across 12 seasons.

“Twelve years in the system as a player and six as a coach have been some of the best years of my life,” Selwood said.

“It has been a personally challenging year for me, so the timing feels right to take some time for myself away from football.

“I want to thank Collingwood for allowing me to coach the game I love. To experience premiership success with the people who have become second family to me will always be a special memory.

“There is so much to love about this Club, but I know what I’ll miss most is the people I’ve been fortunate to work with across the journey and the feeling I got walking across the MCG and hearing the chant of the great Magpie Army.

“A special mention to ‘Fly’ for giving me an opportunity as an assistant coach. You have a great care for your people and I thank you for your support, kindness and friendship.”

“Anyone that has been lucky enough to work with ‘Scoot’ knows he is an outstanding person and a very talented coach.  He has been a much-loved and respected friend and colleague to everyone at Collingwood and a very popular coach and mentor to our players.

“Scoot is simply a great football person whose care and people-first approach has seen him get the absolute best out of people.

“We thank Scoot for his enormous contribution to our football club – he has played an integral role in the success of our program over the past six years, and our Club is all the better for having Scoot a part of it.

“Scoot’s energy, charisma and wit will be missed within our four walls, but we wish him all the best for the future and his next chapter.”

It is also understood that Pies’ head of development, Josh Fraser, has departed the club, joining Carlton as an assistant coach under Michael Voss.