I CAN’T BELIEVE HE IS GOING : Collingwood Star Darcy Moore had Submitted Resignation letter to….see more
Moore, who led the Magpies to their record-equalling 16th premiership just two seasons ago, is understood to have stepped down from all playing and leadership duties, citing deeply personal reasons that are still being kept confidential. Sources close to the club confirm that the letter was handed directly to CEO Craig Kelly and senior coach Craig McRae earlier this week.
“I can’t believe he’s going,” one teammate was heard saying in the club rooms on Tuesday morning. “None of us saw this coming. He’s the heart and soul of this team.”
🏉 A Modern Magpie Icon
Darcy Moore, the son of club legend Peter Moore, has become one of the AFL’s most respected figures—both on and off the field. Drafted in 2014 under the father-son rule, Darcy transformed himself from a promising key forward into one of the league’s most elite and intelligent key defenders.
His elevation to the Collingwood captaincy in 2023 was seen as the perfect fit for a club rich in tradition and hungry for success. He lived up to the moment, guiding the team to an inspiring 2023 AFL Premiership, ending a 13-year drought and restoring the Magpies’ dominance in the league.
📄 What’s in the Resignation Letter?
While the contents of the resignation letter have not been made public, club insiders claim it was “personal, articulate, and heartfelt.”
A senior source close to the matter shared that Moore wrote:
“The game has given me more than I could have ever imagined. But there comes a time when you must listen to yourself. To your mind. To your body. To your values. That time, for me, is now.”
The tone is said to be reflective rather than reactive, suggesting that this is not a knee-jerk decision but one that has been weighing on Moore for some time.
😔 Emotional Reactions from Inside the Club
The resignation has reportedly left senior staff and players shocked and emotional, with some players moved to tears during a closed-door meeting at the AIA Centre earlier this week.
Head Coach Craig McRae addressed the media this morning, appearing sombre and composed but visibly emotional:
“Darcy is not just our captain—he’s our leader, our thinker, our moral compass. His decision has left a hole that we can’t yet comprehend. But we respect it.”
Club president Jeff Browne also released a short statement:
“Darcy Moore has served this football club with honour, humility, and incredible leadership. Whatever comes next, he will always be a Collingwood great.”
💬 Fanbase in Shock
News of Moore’s resignation has spread like wildfire, sparking a flood of reactions across social media platforms. The hashtags #ThankYouDarcy, #MooreThanAFootballer, and #IcantBelieveHesGoing all trended within hours.
Fan reactions include:
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@PiesFaithful82: “He’s not just a footballer. He’s a role model. This one hurts deep.”
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@MagpieArmyDaily: “This can’t be true. Moore IS Collingwood. What a gut punch.”
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@FootyForLifeAU: “If this is the end, thank you Darcy. Premiership captain, true gentleman, forever a legend.”
💡 Why Now? Possible Reasons Behind the Resignation
While Darcy Moore has not yet spoken publicly about the decision, there is widespread speculation surrounding the possible motivations:
1. Mental and Emotional Fatigue
After leading the Magpies through the intense highs and lows of the past few seasons—including a premiership, media scrutiny, and the pressures of captaincy—Moore may be experiencing emotional burnout.
2. Focus on Life Beyond Football
Moore has long been known as a thoughtful and intellectually curious figure, with interests in literature, philosophy, and media. He has spoken in the past about wanting to explore life beyond football.
3. Physical Toll
While Moore has played through several injury-interrupted seasons, he remained a key defensive pillar. However, the cumulative wear and tear may have taken a silent toll.
4. Legacy Secured
Having achieved premiership glory as captain, Moore may feel that he’s done what he set out to do, and is leaving on his own terms—something many athletes never get the chance to do.
📆 What’s Next?
The club is expected to hold a formal press conference within the next 48 hours, where Moore is anticipated to address the public for the first time since submitting his resignation.
In the meantime, Collingwood’s leadership group will meet to discuss interim leadership options heading into the offseason and 2026 campaign. Vice-captain Jordan De Goey and Brayden Maynard are among the likely candidates to take on greater responsibility.
The AFL has also acknowledged the news and is reportedly in contact with the club regarding Moore’s player status moving forward.
🎖 A Legacy That Will Never Fade
No matter what comes next, Darcy Moore’s legacy is secure. Premiership captain. All-Australian. Inspirational leader. The embodiment of modern Collingwood.
But perhaps more than any of that, Moore will be remembered for the way he carried himself—with dignity, thoughtfulness, and purpose.
“He gave everything to this club,” said former coach Nathan Buckley. “And now he’s making the bravest decision of all: to step away on his terms.”
📣 Final Word
While fans may struggle to come to terms with this news, one thing remains certain: Darcy Moore leaves the field not just as a footballer, but as a figure who transcended the game.
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