Patrick Lipinski

Drafted by the Western Bulldogs with pick 28 in the 2016 National Draft, Patrick Lipinski arrived from the Northern Knights with a basketball background that aided his composure and spatial awareness in traffic. Despite displaying excellent endurance and clean ball use, he struggled to lock down a permanent position within the Bulldogs' star-studded engine room, often finding himself squeezed out by established midfielders or utilised as the medical substitute during the club's 2021 finals campaign. Seeking greater continuity and a defined role, he requested a trade to Collingwood ahead of the 2022 season, a move that immediately revitalised his career.

At Collingwood, Lipinski quickly established himself as a hard-running connector capable of playing across the wing, half-forward, and on the ball. His ability to link play and make composed decisions in possession became a key component of the Magpies' transition game under Craig McRae. Although his 2023 campaign was interrupted by shoulder surgery, he returned in time to play a role in the club's Premiership triumph that September, validating his decision to switch clubs. He remains a versatile and reliable contributor for the Magpies, valued for his running power and tactical flexibility.