Collingwood FC Complete $3M Deal for ‘Outrageous’ Star Ben King in Sensational Off-Season Coup
Melbourne, June 22, 2025 — In one of the most seismic moves of the AFL off-season, Collingwood Football Club have completed a blockbuster $3 million deal for Ben King, the towering forward from Gold Coast Suns. The 24-year-old, described by pundits as an “outrageous talent”, joins the Magpies on a five-year deal worth around $600,000 per season, solidifying the club’s intention to launch a serious premiership assault in 2026.
Club President Jeff Browne officially announced the signing on Sunday morning, hailing it as a defining moment in Collingwood’s modern era.
“Ben King is a game-changer. His athleticism, football IQ and presence inside 50 make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. This is a transformational move for our club,” said Browne.
King’s acquisition has been months in the making, with several top clubs—both Victorian and interstate—vying for the signature of the 202cm powerhouse. However, Collingwood’s strategic pitch, paired with the appeal of playing under coach Craig McRae and alongside a premiership-calibre squad, proved decisive.
A Statement of Intent
Ben King’s credentials speak for themselves. A proven goal-kicker with 47 majors in 2024, he finished inside the top five for key forwards last season and has long been touted as a generational talent since being drafted by the Suns in 2018.
Often described as “outrageous” by AFL analysts due to his aerial dominance and goal sense, King is expected to immediately slot into Collingwood’s attacking unit alongside stars like Jamie Elliott, Beau McCreery, and Ash Johnson.
Coach Craig McRae, who guided the Pies to a preliminary final in 2024, said King’s addition addressed a key structural need.
“We’ve been searching for a dominant, reliable key forward who can stretch defences and give us a consistent presence. Ben brings all of that and more. He’s hungry, humble, and ready to compete.”
King Speaks on Magpies Move
Speaking outside the AIA Centre shortly after the announcement, King was visibly excited about the new chapter.
“It’s honestly surreal. Collingwood is a club I’ve watched since I was a kid — the history, the fans, the energy. I’m ready to give everything I have. It’s an incredible honour to wear the black and white,” King said.
Suns Acknowledge Loss
The Gold Coast Suns confirmed King’s departure in a club statement, expressing disappointment but wishing the star well.
“Ben has been an outstanding servant of this football club, and while we’re sad to see him leave, we thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in this next phase of his career,” said Suns GM of Football Wayne Campbell.
Expert Reactions Pour In
Reaction across the AFL world has been swift and emphatic.
David King of Fox Footy called it “the biggest player move of the decade,” while former Magpie captain Nathan Buckley suggested the move could “deliver another flag to Collingwood.”
With pre-season training still months away, excitement is already building among the Magpie faithful. The arrival of Ben King marks the beginning of a bold new era — one that could bring Collingwood their next premiership sooner than many expected.
