career into my own hands and try something new, It was pretty clear that the midfield group at the Dogs is probably the best in the League. It’s very deep in there. I got to play in the midfield in the VFL and played pretty well and obviously wasn’t getting a game.”
Lipinski’s card effectively was marked a year ago when Essendon failed to recruit Josh Dunkley from the Dogs, who lured Adam Treloar from the Magpies instead. Those trade developments would put Lipinski two steps back in the Bulldogs midfield queue.
But Lipinski is good friends with Treloar, saying the former Magpies ace sent a text message to wish him all the best at Collingwood. He certainly sees no “sliding doors” scenario.
He claimed that “I don’t really look at it like that – he’s created his own pathway at the Dogs and he’s going really well there. I hope he has a long career, it’s not really related, in my opinion.”
Lipinski, who was traded for pick No.43, said he chose Collingwood because they also are having a fresh start.
Recently appointed coach Craig McCrae has assembled his own group of assistants and for all their struggles this season the Magpies have some good young talent. Lipinski also noted that he goes some way to filling a gap in Collingwood’s player demographics, noting there are not too many 23-year-olds on their list.
“It’s a really exciting time to come to Collingwood – it’s a fresh start for everyone, new coaching staff, plenty of young players and just the opportunity for me to hopefully play a bit more AFL,” he said.
