Collingwood’s shake-up of their football operation continues with renowned long-time recruiting boss Derek Hine parting ways with the club.
Hine and the Magpies have mutually agreed to part ways, as the club restructures its list management under new list boss Justin Leppitsch, according to two industry sources with knowledge of the situation who were not authorised to discuss the restructure.
Veteran recruiter Derek Hine.Credit: Pat Scala
Hine’s exit marks the end of an era at the Magpies, where he was either recruiting or list manager for 21 years. He was responsible for drafting or trading the bulk of two premiership teams, including club champions Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, plus Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey, Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard, Jamie Elliott and the vast majority of the 2010 premiership team, including several rookies.
Hine was also drove the Magpies’ unconventional gamble on American big man Mason Cox, who has carved a significant chapter in the code’s history with his 129-game career.
Collingwood and Hine were contacted for comment.
That there had been tensions between Hine and Leppitsch was well known in recruiting and player management circles, as the Magpies revamp their list management following the exit of football boss Graham Wright, who has crossed to Carlton to become that club’s next chief executive.
Hine had became head recruiter at Collingwood in 2004, taking over from Noel Judkins, having started in a player development role under Mick Malthouse and football boss Neil Balme. In 2005, he drafted Dale Thomas and Pendlebury with picks 2 and 5 in the national draft, selections that were instrumental in Collingwood’s run of eight consecutive finals appearances from 2006.
The Magpies have reached nine preliminary finals and 13 finals series in Hine’s time at the club.
