Collingwood youngster hoping to put VFL apprenticeship behind him and push for AFL spot

Collingwood youngster Harry DeMattia is eyeing an early-round AFL debut in his second season at the level.

The 19-year-old was taken at pick 25 in the 2023 National Draft but didn’t make a senior appearance in his first AFL season which was hampered by a serious finger injury.

While DeMattia spent some time on the sidelines, he appeared 13 times at the VFL level in his first campaign and finished the season strong playing both wing and half back, picking up 23 touches in both of his final state-league games.

With a clean bill of health and a full season in the AFL system under his belt, DeMattia hopes that his apprenticeship in the reserves will soon be over as he hopes to push his case to make an impact at the top level.

“I'm obviously going to hope to continue to progress in my role whether that be a wing or half-back,” DeMattia told SEN Breakfast.

“Last year I guess I did with my apprenticeship with just getting to learn the craft in the VFL and tick away.

“Hopefully a spot opens up for me in that type of role or in one of those positions this year and I can take it with both hands.

“It's a great opportunity and I feel like I've set myself up well last year getting a taste of what it's like through the twos and then obviously training with a team that came off great success in the year before that.

“So, I've set myself up well across this off-season to have a big pre-season and push my case for the early rounds this year.”

DeMattia and Collingwood’s first to fourth-year players returned to training ahead of the 2025 AFL season on Monday.

The Pies will be hoping to rebound from their 9th placed finish last campaign and again return to the top of the ladder having won the premiership in 2023.

Listen to the full chat with the young Magpie below.