Collingwood have confirmed new deals for rookie trio Charlie Dean, Jack Ginnivan and Aiden Begg.
Both Ginnivan and Dean have signed two-year deals to remain at Olympic Park until the end of 2024, while Begg's new contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
Dean and Begg are yet to feature for the Magpies at AFL level, while Ginnivan has made eight appearances for Collingwood after making his debut against Port Adelaide in Round 19 last year.
Despite the lack of experience, the Magpies have shown their faith in the emerging trio, with the club's football boss Graham Wright expressing his excitement in having Ginnivan, Dean and Begg re-sign.
“We are pleased to offer Jack, Charlie and Aiden further opportunity at the club,” Wright said via the club's website.
“Jack has played a really important role for us in the backend of last year and in the early rounds this year. He’s a talented ball winner who has improved his fitness over the summer and has reaped the rewards by maintaining his place in the side for the first three weeks.
“Aiden was picked up in the mid-season draft last year and had a shoulder reconstruction before he joined us but was also another affected by the 2020 COVID shutdown of the NAB competition.
“Aiden has great size, athleticism and competes well for a young ruck/key position player, we’re excited about where he could go with hard work and a great attitude.
“Charlie unfortunately was tracking to play round one but had a crack in a foot bone that required surgery. He impressed in the VFL last year for Williamstown and has been nothing but impressive in his short time here with us.
“Over the past 18 months, 11 players have made their AFL debut with the club. Dean and Begg are a part of a larger group of eight or so players who are pushing for selection.
“We envisage these boys will be the foundation of the side for the next decade.”
The Magpies still have a bevy of key names unsigned for next season, headlined by defender Darcy Moore, midfielder Jordan De Goey and forward Jamie Elliott.
Young cohort Oliver Henry, Josh Daicos, Finlay Macrae, Beau McCreery, Trent Bianco and Caleb Poulter are also among those off-contract for 2022.
The Magpies will be looking to bounce back to winning ways this weekend when they host West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
