Atu Bosenavulagi Biography

Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson has conceded salary cap pressure was a key factor in the club's decision to trade four players during the AFL Trade Period.

Adam Treloar, Jaidyn Stephenson, Tom Phillips, and Atu Bosenavulagi were all offloaded to rival clubs last week, with the Magpies receiving well under market value in return.

"We were without realistic access to the free agency market with our salary cap being at its limit," Anderson said.

"We have had quality players expressing interest in coming to our club, interest we could not realistically pursue due to our cap limitations.

"This could not continue and so some tough and, frankly, painful decisions had to be made."

Collingwood trade Jaidyn Stephenson and Atu Bosenavulagi to North Melbourne. The Kangaroos gave up two second-round picks (No.26 and 33) as well as a future fourth-round selection, receiving the two players and pick No.39 in return.

"Jaidyn lit our attack, and the game, up for a time and we hope he can recapture that form. We wish both players well," Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said.

"We hold the view that this year's draft represents an opportunity to bring some excellent talent into the program. This deal improves significantly our ability to do that."

Atu Bosenavulagi makes his AFL debut for Collingwood with 16 disposals (6 kicks and 10 handballs), 4 marks and a tackle in a 32-point win over Hawthorn.

Drafted to the Pies with pick No.77, Oakleigh Charger Atu Bosenavulagi is the 'grandson' of Collingwood cheer squad leader 'Joffa'.

Joffa is married to Bosenavulagi's grandma's sister. But to Bosenavulagi, Joffa is more than just a great uncle, he refers to him as "grandpa".

"His development this year has been through the roof," Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said.

"Fijian background, really quick, really tough, rugby background, tackles really well. We’ll see him coming in and developing as a small forward for us."

Collingwood will get first access to a talented rugby player at this year's NAB AFL Draft under the Next Generation Academy rules.

Atu Bosenavualagi is a small forward for the Oakleigh Chargers who was born in Fiji and last year played in the national rugby sevens under-19s side.

Bosenavualagi's form has built across the season and he has taken the eye of club scouts with his pace, hardness and tackling in the TAC Cup making him a late draft or rookie chance.

"With the rugby background you can see that his tackling is probably one of his real strengths, but his clean hands is the other thing that stands out. We think that's a throwback to his rugby background too," Chargers talent manager Craig Notman said.

"If you fumble in rugby the game's over for you, so he's really exceptional with his hands and he has a really uncanny ability for the ball to stick in his hands."