GWS Free Agent Harry Perryman Joins Collingwood on Six-Year Deal

GWS Giants free agent Harry Perryman is set to join the Collingwood Football Club on a long-term contract, confirmed by the club on Tuesday. The 25-year-old will transition to the Magpies, the team he supported during his childhood, following reports by AFL Media’s Callum Twomey.

Perryman leaves the Giants after playing 129 games across eight seasons, as announced by the club in a statement. “Giants defender Harry Perryman has informed the club of his decision to explore his options as an unrestricted free agent,” stated the GWS leadership.

As an unrestricted free agent, the move allows Perryman to transfer without necessitating a trade deal. This transition aligns with the opening of free agency, which began on Friday. Notably, Port Adelaide was a contender in the race for Perryman but ultimately lost out despite their aggressive pursuit.

According to Twomey, Perryman has inked a six-year deal with Collingwood, which will see him bolster the Magpies’ midfield capabilities. “Harry Perryman has picked Collingwood and will go to them on a six-year deal — you have to pay that much for free agents,” Twomey remarked on Trade Radio.

Collingwood’s pursuit reportedly intensified after John Noble expressed interest in moving to Gold Coast, leading to a successful late bid from the Magpies for Perryman. Twomey further noted that Perryman’s personal connection to Collingwood played a significant role in his decision, citing his childhood admiration for former player Dane Swan.

Perryman is among several players departing the Giants this off-season, including Isaac Cumming who aims to join Adelaide. The Magpies, meanwhile, continue to strategize for the player movement period. Apart from securing Perryman, they are preparing for the possible departure of Noble to Carrara and maintaining interest in acquiring additional forwards.

Collingwood’s search for a new football manager remains ongoing as they seek a replacement for Graham Wright. Despite an attempt to recruit Port Adelaide’s Chris Davies, he has elected to stay with his current club, according to industry sources.