Rounds assesses options after being cut by Collingwood

The Terang Mortlake export was delisted yesterday after four injury-ravaged seasons with the Magpies.

Rounds, 21, played six games for Collingwood after arriving at the club via the 2008 national draft.

The midfielder-cum-small forward played five matches in his 2011 debut season but injury limited him to one appearance this year — round one against eventual grand finalist Hawthorn.

Speaking to The Standard from his family’s Mortlake home, Rounds said he was hopeful of extending his AFL career.

“They have a delisted free agency week starting on November 1 so I am hoping to get picked up in that,” he said.

“If not, then in the draft. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and wait and see.”

Rounds said his delisting wasn’t a surprise.

He said he’d had interest from a couple of AFL clubs but was unsure where it would lead. 

“I thought I would like to try something new,” he said.

“I thought opportunities with Collingwood would be limited.”

Injury led to a forgettable 2012 season for Rounds.

He played 11 matches for Collingwood’s VFL side.

“I had trouble with my groin and missed nine weeks with a calf injury,” he said.

“It was a pretty disappointing year.”

Rounds said he now felt fit and prepared for a gruelling pre-season.

“Hopefully I am over them (injuries) now. My body has started to mature and get used to the workload,” he said.

“Hopefully I am ready to go if I get the chance.

“I’m doing a fair bit of my own stuff. It’s the first time in four years I’m doing a pre-season,” he said.

“I’ve been injured every other year. It’s nice to do a bit over the break for a change.”

The former Geelong Falcon said he had “great memories” from his time at Collingwood, which fell during a dominant period for the club.

He was at the Magpies during their 2010 premiership campaign and when they attempted to go back-to-back in 2011 only to fall to Geelong.

“My teammates are terrific blokes. I was very fortunate to play with really professional footballers and learn from them so I’d like to think I’d take professionalism into whatever it is I do,” he said.

“I think I have a lot of knowledge to pass on so I will wait and see.”

Rounds was one of five Magpies cut yesterday, along with Cameron Wood, Simon Buckley, Jonathon Ceglar and Kirk Ugle.

The changes took Collingwood’s list turnover to 13 players since the end of the season.

Collingwood director of football Geoff Walsh thanked the players for their contribution to the club.

“All of the boys did what they could to give themselves a chance and they were good people to have around the club,” Walsh said.

“People don’t always see what sacrifices are made to try to forge an AFL career. We thank all of them for that effort and wish them well.”