Defender Billy Frampton will make his Collingwood debut against his former side, replacing the injured Jeremy Howe.

Frampton becomes just the fourth AFL player to play senior football for both Collingwood and Port Adelaide, joining Cameron Cloke, John McCarthy, Josh Mahoney, and Scott Cummings.

Feature: 10 things you might not know about Billy Frampton

McRae is excited about what Frampton will bring to Collingwood’s backline.

“We recruited Billy for a reason,” said McRae.

“He’s got that ability to take a big target away.. and allow others to get to work.

“I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Trent Bianco has been rewarded for strong form in last weekend’s VFL practice match, named as an emergency for Saturday, replacing Oleg Markov.

The most attended home-and-away crowd to attend a Collingwood v Port Adelaide game was back in 1997, when 51,883 fans packed the MCG.

With both teams starting the season on a high, it is expected that record could be broken on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier in the week, Darcy Moore encouraged Collingwood fans to get to the Clubs first home game of the 2023 season.

“We need you. If you stayed home, come along next week,” said Moore.

“We need that 19^th man on the field out there.”

“We need that voice as strong and as loud as it can be. So get down.”

Secure your tickets to Collingwood v Port Adelaide

The four emergencies for Saturday’s match are Trent Bianco, Trey Ruscoe, Reef McInnes, and Josh Carmichael.  

The Pies will confirm the substitute 60 minutes before the opening bounce.

AFL Round 2

Collingwood v Port Adelaide
Saturday 25 March
MCG, Wurundjeri Country
1:45pm