Craig McRae has announced Collingwood’s team for Monday’s Kings Birthday clash against Melbourne at the MCG.

Dashing midfielder Patrick Lipinski has been named for the first time in 2023, following a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to an injured shoulder.

Lipinski, who finished sixth overall in the 2022 E.W. Copeland Trophy, will play his first match since the 2022 Preliminary Final.

He replaces Jordan De Goey, who was handed a three-match suspension for Rough Conduct following Collingwood’s Round 12 victory against West Coast.

On Lipinski, Senior Coach Craig McRae said:

“He’s done a power of work. He’s actually done more work in the last month than he did in the full pre-season,” said McRae.

“He is our highest GPS runner.”

“He is in our best 22. He is so important, the way he transitions and connects. I thought he the best kick inside 50 we had (last year).”

“I’ve been excited to get him back.”

The four emergencies for Monday’s clash are Trent Bianco, Finlay Macrae, Reef McInnes, and Oleg Markov.

The final team, including the starting substitute, will be confirmed 60 minutes prior to the first bounce.

Monday’s clash will be the ninth consecutive ‘Big Freeze’ match, with Fight MND aiming to raise $2 million by Monday.

AFL Round 12
Melbourne v Collingwood
Monday 12 June
MCG | Wurundjeri Country
3.20pm AEST

IN: Lipinski
OUT: De Goey (Suspended)