AFL 2024: Collingwood defender John Noble requests trade interstate

Collingwood defender John Noble has requested a trade to Gold Coast to be “closer to family” after initially remaining with the Magpies following his grand final heartbreak.

The Magpies on Tuesday said the 27-year-old defender had informed them he would like a trade to a club “outside of Victoria” after six seasons at Collingwood.

Gold Coast confirmed to NewsWire it was aware of Noble’s request to join the Suns and would work with Collingwood to agree to a deal.

Noble hails from South Australia but has close ties to family living in Queensland.

Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said the Magpies would “consider” Noble’s request but reiterated that he was contracted until the end of 2026.

He signed a three-year deal in July last year but lost his spot at halfback to SSP recruit Oleg Markov on the eve of the finals and was unable to force his way back into the side.

“John today informed us he would like to explore a trade ahead of next season to be closer to family,” Leppitsch said.

“While John is contracted, we understand the importance of family and will take this into consideration as we work through the trade period.”