Collingwood have signalled intent to retain forward Ash Johnson via the rookie draft after delisting the 27-year-old.
Johnson, a Gija/Jaru/Bunuba man from Halls Creek, arrived at the club from SANFL club Sturt as a mid-season draft pick up in 2021.
He managed 15 goals from nine games in his debut season, including two goals in his first AFL final - against eventual premiers Geelong.
In 2023 he kicked 21 majors from 15 games in a solid season, taking 3.5 marks per game, before missing out on the finals as the Pies went on to win the flag.
This season he went goalless in his three senior games.
In a list announcement on Tuesday, the Magpies committed to selecting Johnson in the rookie draft later this month alongside 2023 premiership player Oleg Markov, who was also delisted this week.
"We've had to make a difficult decision around Ash and Oleg for 2025, but we are committed to re-listing them as Rookies in the upcoming draft in November," Collingwood football strategy and list management head Justin Leppitsch said.
Fans condemned "pathetic" attacks on the footballer in March.
Johnson played a third senior game for the season in round 12.
