Tom Wilson Biography

The Magpies delist five players including Trent Bianco, Trey Ruscoe, Tom Wilson, Arlo Draper and Cooper Murley.

"Decision-making at this time of the year is always tough and we thank each of the players for their contribution to the Collingwood Football Club," Magpies general manager of football Graham Wright said.

"Trent, Trey, Tom, Arlo and Cooper have all played an important role in this year's success and that has not gone unrecognised. We thank them for their dedication to our football program."

Tom Wilson makes his AFL debut for Collingwood at the SCG with 8 disposals (6 kicks and 2 handballs) and 4 tackles in a 30-point loss to Sydney.

Collingwood has landed a major recruiting coup by winning the race for highly touted former basketball prodigy Tom Wilson.

Wilson will join the Pies on a three-year Category B rookie contract, having beaten Geelong, Hawthorn and Gold Coast for his services.

It is understood coach Nathan Buckley played a pivotal role in Wilson's move, the Pies coach meeting at least twice with him before his decision.

After stints living and playing in the USA and in Sydney, Wilson's commitment to the Pies came down to his desire to remain in Melbourne where he grew up.

The 194cm athletic prospect previously knocked back an opportunity to join the NAB AFL Academy as a 17-year-old, opting to pursue his dreams of representing Australia in basketball.

Tom Wilson opts for a career in football, just six weeks after his Australian Boomers debut.

The 21-year-old is set to decide on a multi-year contract with an AFL club as a Category B rookie in coming weeks.

Collingwood, Geelong and Gold Coast have emerged as the frontrunners for Wilson's services with several others showing significant interest.

Up to six clubs are circling Sydney Kings guard and former Australian under-19 basketball captain Tom Wilson over the prospect of a switch to football.

Having turned his back on a berth in the AIS-AFL Academy five years ago, a decision from Wilson to return to football would create a bidding war among clubs attempting to sign him outside the draft.

In June last year, the 194cm guard explicitly rejected suggestions he was considering a return to football, saying he was "completely committed to basketball".

However, he has been starved of opportunities at the ladder-leading Kings this season after signing a one-year contract in April last year, with the option of a second season in 2019/20.