Collingwood has announced that former player and current list recruiter Matthew Lokan will take charge of the club's VFL outfit in 2026.

Lokan, who replaces Andy Otten as senior coach, played 46 games for the Pies during the 2003-2005 period, including the grand final loss to Brisbane.

Since his retirement, the 42-year-old has coached in the NEAFL as well as the SANFL, taking care of Glenelg (2015 – 2017) and Port Adelaide (2018 – 2022).

During his time at the Power, he was also the head of development in the AFL program, where he worked with the Club's young and upcoming talent.

Lokan has also worked as one of the Pies' recruiters in their list management team, and has spent time at St Michael's College in Adelaide as the talent and development program coordinator and director of football.

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"We are very pleased to have Matthew back at the Club as our VFL Senior Coach in 2026," Pies football boss Charlie Gardiner said.

“Matthew brings with him extensive AFL and State League coaching experience, along with an education and development background.  Through his coaching and development roles, he has proven he has been able to lead teams and build strong relationships that allow him to get the best out of his athletes.

"Matthew will also serve as a development coach within our AFL program, ensuring strong connection between our VFL and AFL programs and will be central to the ongoing development of our young players.

"We look forward to welcoming Matthew and his family back to Collingwood and seeing where he can take our VFL program."

Otten decided to depart as the Collingwood VFL coach after three seasons to "explore other opportunities".

Otten's departure adds to the list of coaching exits at Collingwood this off-season, with Josh Fraser and Scott Selwood also having left the club.

In further change, development coach Neville Jetta has moved to the role of NGA First Nations and Multicultural Lead within Collingwood's Future Magpies team.

The Pies finished in seventh position in 2025, but were bundled out by Williamstown in the Wildcard Round.