In a move that has left the AFL world reeling, Collingwood Football Club, one of the most storied teams in Australian football history, has announced that it will be relocating to Tasmania. Starting with the 2026 AFL season, the Pies will officially be known as the Hobart Pies, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the club. The decision comes after months of speculation and is expected to have a significant impact on the AFL landscape.
The iconic club, which has a rich history of success and passionate supporters, will now call Tasmania its home, with Blundstone Arena in Hobart set to become their new home ground. The move to Tasmania, coupled with the team’s new identity, has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, raising questions about the future of Collingwood and its relationship with its loyal fanbase in Melbourne.
A Shock Move to Tasmania
The announcement was made in a press conference by Collingwood president Jeff Browne and CEO Mark Anderson, who revealed that the decision to relocate the club to Tasmania had been made after careful consideration of both football and financial factors. The club’s administration emphasized that the move was intended to strengthen the AFL’s presence in Tasmania, a state that has long been calling for its own AFL team.
“Collingwood has always been a club that strives to innovate and create new opportunities, and today we are proud to announce that we will be relocating to Tasmania,” said Browne in his statement. “This decision is not one we have taken lightly, but after careful evaluation, we believe that Tasmania is the right place for the Pies to thrive and grow as a club. We’re excited about the future and the opportunity to represent Tasmania at the highest level of Australian football.”
The move has been described as a bold, transformative step for both Collingwood and the AFL, with Tasmania now set to become a major hub for Australian rules football. Blundstone Arena, which is located in the heart of Hobart, will host the Pies’ home games, and the club’s relocation is expected to draw in a new wave of fans from Tasmania and beyond.
Collingwood Becomes the ‘Hobart Pies’
With the relocation, Collingwood will be rebranding itself as the Hobart Pies. The club’s new identity will reflect its deep connection to its new home in Tasmania. The “Hobart Pies” name is a nod to the club’s history, while also embracing its new regional identity. The iconic black and white stripes of the Collingwood jumper will remain unchanged, but the club will introduce new merchandise and logos to reflect the Tasmanian connection.
While some fans have expressed sadness over the departure from Melbourne, many are excited about the prospect of a fresh start in Tasmania. The decision to rename the club has sparked a mixed response, with some supporters wondering how the move will affect the Pies’ traditional Melbourne fanbase. However, club officials are hopeful that the name change will be a bridge to a bright future and that the fans of both Tasmania and Melbourne will rally behind the Hobart Pies in their new chapter.
“We’re incredibly proud of our roots and history in Melbourne, and that will always be a part of who we are,” said Collingwood coach Craig McRae. “But this move to Tasmania is an exciting opportunity for the club to grow, and we’re ready to embrace the challenges that come with it. We’re excited to represent Hobart and Tasmania as the Hobart Pies, and we know our fans will continue to support us no matter where we are.”
Blundstone Arena: The New Home of the Pies
Blundstone Arena, a venue that has hosted numerous AFL and cricket matches, will be the new home ground for the Hobart Pies. The stadium, located in the picturesque city of Hobart, is well-equipped to accommodate the Pies’ growing fanbase. The venue’s modern facilities and passionate local fanbase make it an ideal location for the club’s new era.
Collingwood’s home games at Blundstone Arena will be a major draw for Tasmanian fans, who have long been campaigning for an AFL team to call their state home. The move is seen as a win for AFL supporters in Tasmania, who will now have the chance to witness top-tier Australian rules football on a regular basis.
“It’s a dream come true for AFL fans in Tasmania,” said AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. “Having Collingwood relocate to Tasmania is a momentous occasion, and we’re thrilled to have the Hobart Pies join the AFL family. Tasmania has always had a deep passion for football, and this move will only further strengthen the game’s presence in the state.”
The new venue also provides a fresh opportunity for the Hobart Pies to build their own unique identity, separate from Collingwood’s longstanding traditions in Melbourne. The team’s matchdays at Blundstone Arena are expected to generate a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere, with fans from across Tasmania filling the stands to support their new team.
Reactions from Fans and the AFL Community
The announcement of Collingwood’s move to Tasmania has garnered strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Some long-time Collingwood fans are expressing feelings of loss, as the club’s relocation signifies a departure from its roots in Melbourne. For generations, Collingwood has been a symbol of Melbourne’s sporting culture, and some fear that the club’s relocation could dilute its history and identity.
However, others are embracing the opportunity for change, seeing it as a chance for the club to reinvent itself and grow its fanbase in a new market. Tasmania’s passion for AFL has been growing steadily over the years, and the move could create a new generation of fans for the Hobart Pies.
“This is a major moment in AFL history,” said former AFL star and commentator Jason Dunstall. “It’s always tough to see a club leave its home city, but at the same time, this could be a turning point for both Collingwood and the AFL. Tasmania has been calling for its own team for a long time, and Collingwood has a chance to lead the way.”
Looking to the Future
As the 2026 AFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Hobart Pies as they embark on their new journey in Tasmania. The club’s relocation is part of a larger trend of expansion and innovation in the AFL, with the league looking to broaden its reach and bring the excitement of Australian rules football to new regions. Tasmania is poised to become an even bigger player in the AFL, and the Pies’ move could serve as a catalyst for further development of the sport in the state.
While the move to Tasmania marks the end of an era for Collingwood in Melbourne, it also ushers in an exciting new chapter in the club’s history. Whether the club can capture the hearts of fans in Hobart and beyond remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Hobart Pies are ready to make their mark on the AFL landscape.
Leave a Reply