Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead goes from VFL ruckman to defensive linchpin

Midway through his last year at Western Bulldogs, Jordan Roughead was stuck in the VFL. After a bargain trade to Collingwood, he’s become a defensive linchpin.

Jordan Roughead gets a hand in to spoil Sydney star Lance Franklin last round. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Jordan Roughead has gone from toiling in the VFL to one of the AFL’s great trade steals.

The Western Bulldogs premiership player, who was out of favour at Whitten Oval in 2018, has become a linchpin of Collingwood’s back six in his first season with the Magpies.

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The 28-year-old was signed largely as insurance for Collingwood’s bevy of talls but has emerged as a key figure in the absence of Lynden Dunn (knee) and Darcy Moore (ankle).

“He has been really encouraging for us. We’ve loved the way he’s gone about it,” coach Nathan Buckley said.

“Quality character, quality individual and he’s brought his strengths to the table.

“He’s obviously very strong aerially, a very smart player with his positioning and very strong in his bodywork.”

Jordan Roughead gets a hand in to spoil Sydney star Lance Franklin last round. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Roughead restricted Sydney superstar Lance Franklin to six disposals and two goals last round, helping the Magpies escape with a seven-point victory.

He is shaping as one of the bargain trades of the year after crossing to Collingwood for pick No. 75.

Champion Data rated Roughead’s intercept marking, kicking and disposals below average in his last two seasons with the Bulldogs, when he played predominantly as a ruckman.

As a Collingwood player, his kicking rates elite and his spoils above average.

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“He hasn’t really lowered his colours at any stage. In most of the one-on-ones he’s been able to get his job done and then help the blokes either side of him,” Buckley said.

“When you recruit someone, you’re always hoping for the best and seeing the best. But we go into things with our eyes wide open.

“Jordan hadn’t played consistent footy at AFL level for a couple of years with injuries and form. What we have seen from him has been very good and we look forward to more of that to come.”

Jordan Roughead has relished a return to defence in his first season at Collingwood. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair.

Buckley said Collingwood’s injury list, which is headlined by Taylor Adams (groin), Daniel Wells (knee), Tom Langdon (knee) and Jamie Elliott (hamstring) was not as dire as the second half of last season.

“We have got 45 players, we believe, or players that are uninjured, that are believing they could be ready to go or called upon at any moment,” he said.

“Adaptability is important, the belief that what they bring to the table is significant is important, no matter what level it’s at.

“And the fact that every one of our players understands they have got strengths that can make us better.”