Roan Steele, 23, who made his debut for Collingwood against Carlton in round 17 and held his place in that team which was beaten by Gold Coast Suns, is the grandson of former Kyabram footballer, the late Max Murley, and a nephew of Max’s brother, the late Ron Murley, also a talented Kyabram player.
Max Murley, who played with the Goulburn Valley League Bombers in the 1960s and 1970s holds the distinction of being the only player to win four Abikhair Medals for the best-and-fairest player in the GVL reserves competition.
He won his first Abikhair in 1969 and then again in 1971, 1972 and 1973.
Steele’s mother Megan, is the daughter of Max and Wendy.
After heading west this season Steele kicked five goals from his seven WAFL matches with West Perth and was averaging 21.1 disposals a game which caught the eye of Collingwood recruiters.
He impressed immediately after being recruited by Collingwood and in his four outings at VFL level averaged 20.3 disposals.
He also averaged 21 disposals from his seven WAFL games for West Perth prior to being selected in the mid-season draft by Collingwood.
Originally from Frankston, he previously played for Casey in the VFL from 2022 to 2024.
He is only the third debutant for Collingwood this year.
Collingwood’s national recruitment manager Shane O'Bree said the Pies were seeking players that could make an instant impact upon arrival and Steele had achieved that.
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