Collingwood reached the September action while managing to blood seven new players.

A mixture of injuries and natural progression ensured the team took on a new look, headlined by Jaidyn Stephenson, Brody Mihocek and Brayden Sier, all of whom played in the Grand Final.

Others to debut included Sam Murray, Flynn Appleby, Nathan Murphy and Jack Madgen, who only took up football again as a Category B rookie less than 12 months ago.

Each of the seven looked at home in the big league, and made up more than a fifth of the 39 Magpies to play senior football in 2018.

Jaidyn Stephenson
Debut: Round One v Hawthorn
Games: 26
Goals: 38

The story: Stephenson created his own slice of history in 2018 when he became the first Collingwood men’s player to receive the AFL Rising Star Award. Taken at pick No. 6 in the 2017 draft, the teenager debuted in round one and played all 26 games including the Grand Final, becoming the first Magpie since Scott Russell to do so. He earned his nomination against Adelaide in round four after kicking five goals on a Friday night, and he ended the home and away season with a total of 34 to his name. Stephenson was a popular Rising Star winner, finishing 10 votes ahead of Adelaide’s Tom Doedee.



Jaidyn Stephenson celebrates a goal against Richmond in the Preliminary Final.

Sam Murray
Debut: Round One v Hawthorn
Games: 13
Goals: 0

The story: Murray burst onto the scene with a series of eye-catching performances early in the season. He served notice with a fine display in the final JLT Community Series match against the Western Bulldogs before establishing himself as a player to watch in the opening month, capped off with a Rising Star nomination for his performance against Carlton in round three. He did not appear after round 21 after it was established he was the subject of an investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).



Sam Murray looks further afield during Collingwood's loss to Greater Western Sydney in round two.

Flynn Appleby
Debut: Round Six v Richmond
Games: 9
Goals: 0

The story: Snapped up in last November’s Rookie Draft, Appleby raced past many taken in the National Draft when he was handed his debut as a late inclusion against the Tigers in round six. He was composed under heavy fire and never looked back, playing eight of the next nine games, establishing himself as a key member of Collingwood’s back six. A nasty hamstring injury stopped him in his tracks late in the piece against Essendon in round 16, and he only appeared twice more at VFL level.



Flynn Appleby was promoted off the rookie list ahead of round six.

Brody Mihocek
Debut: Round 11 v Fremantle
Games: 16
Goals: 29

The story: A remarkable year, a remarkable rise. Twelve months ago, Mihocek was working in a factory while playing in defence for Port Melbourne in the VFL. Now, he’s one of Collingwood’s lynchpins in attack. His year was truly something special, starting with four goals on debut against the Dockers in round 11 and never letting up, ending with six goals across the four finals. Mihocek’s strength in one-on-ones was eye-catching, but what was just as important was his work rate to run his opponents ragged across the field.



Brody Mihocek celebrates one of his 29 goals in season 2018.

Brayden Sier
Debut: Round 15 v Gold Coast
Games: 12
Goals: 2

The story: Injuries kept Sier out of the spotlight during his first two years at the Holden Centre, but months of strong VFL form to start 2018 meant he couldn’t be denied any further. By round 15, his time had come. He debuted with 19 disposals on the Gold Coast and quickly found his feet, collecting 27 disposals, taking the ball inside 50 nine times and kicked his first career goal against Brisbane and played in all four finals. In fact, he led all comers for disposals at half time of the Grand Final.



Brayden Sier gives the crowd the thumbs up during the Grand Final Parade.

Jack Madgen
Debut: Round 20 v Sydney
Games: 4
Goals: 0

The story: Debuts don’t come as daunting as Madgen’s: A one-on-one battle with Sydney superstar Lance Franklin. With Darcy Moore off the ground with a hamstring injury, Madgen had to shoulder the load alone. He did so admirably, particularly given he had only taken up the game again less than 12 months earlier after shelving his basketball career. He impressed all with his composure and strength overhead and played a key role in Collingwood’s run to September in the final month.



Jack Madgen sends Collingwood out of half back during the win over Fremantle in round 23.

Nathan Murphy
Debut: Round 22 v Port Adelaide
Games: 2
Goals: 0

The story: Drafted with pick No. 39, Murphy received an eleventh-hour call up to replace Sam Murray against Port Adelaide in the penultimate round. The 18-year-old performed well, winning 14 disposals and four rebounds in the victory that shored up Collingwood’s finals berth. He went on to play against the Dockers in Perth eight days later and again looked at home at half back, just as he had in the VFL in previous weeks. A bright future beckons.



Nathan Buckley congratulates Nathan Murphy after Collingwood's win over Port Adelaide in round 22.