The Best First Year Player trophy was awarded only sporadically prior to 1960. When it first appeared as a regular trophy, in 1960, it was called the Collingwood Rotary Club Trophy. In 1988 the name was changed to the Harry Collier Trophy.
Harry was one of the true greats of Collingwood, playing in six Premierships (two as captain) across a 15-year career that saw him play more than 250 games and win two Copeland Trophies. He played 18 matches in his first season in 1926 and kicked 32 goals, so he's ideally placed to have his name attached to this award.
In 2025, the award was broadened to make it for Best Young Player, as opposed to Best First Year Player, with a player having to have played 10 games or fewer at the start of the season in order to be eligible. This was done to bring it into line with the AFL's Rising Star Award, and to provide greater flexibility when deciding on winners.
