Geelong recruit and ex-Collingwood forward Ollie Henry has thanked his former club and teammates in a heartwarming post to social media in the wake of his switch to Kardinia Park.
Henry's time in the black and white came to an end after just two seasons at Olympic Park, with the 20-year-old requesting a move to Geelong, the club he grew up supporting as a local fan.
While Collingwood was hesitant to part ways with the exciting young forward, a deal was eventually brokered with the Cats, as well as Hawthorn, that saw Henry secure his move to the Cattery while the Magpies landed trade target Tom Mitchell from the Hawks.
Henry's move came with widespread backlash from Magpies fans online, forcing the youngster to turn comments off from his social media posts.
But in a statement released on Instagram this week, Henry expressed his gratitude to the Magpies, their fans and his former teammates.
"Firstly, I want to thank Collingwood from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to play for such a historic team," Henry wrote. "I am forever in debt to you.
"To my teammates along the way, thank you for everything we have done together, we have made friendships for life and memories to tell. All the best for new magpie players entering and also the few exiting, may it be a bright future ahead for you.
"And lastly the magpie supporters… I don't ask for you to agree or support my decision but I do want to thank all of you for making my job exciting the last two years!"
Collingwood players Mason Cox, Patrick Lipinski and Nick Daicos were among those that showed support for Henry after his departure from the club.
Henry played 25 games for Collingwood in his two years with the club and will now join brother, Jack, in a move to Geelong.
