The AFL debut of Charlie Dean and Club debut of Lachie Schultz headline Craig McRae’s side for Collingwood’s Opening Round clash against the GWS GIANTS.

Dean will play his first game at AFL level 834 days after being drafted at the second pick of the 2021 Rookie Draft. A 195cm key defender, Dean played VFL for Williamstown in 2021, winning the Fothergill–Round–Mitchell Medal in 2021 for the League’s most promising young talent. Since joining the Magpies Dean has only played three VFL games for the Club, due to persistent foot injuries.

Lachie Schultz is set to don  the black and white stripes for the first time at AFL level, after joining the Club from Fremantle during the 2023 Trade Period. The 26-year-old medium forward played 90 games for the Dockers from 1029 to 2022, booting 101 goals.

Defender John Noble is set to play his first game for the Club since Round 24, 2023. Noble returns to the side after a strong pre-season, which included 21 disposals, three tackles and 517 metres gained in the practice match versus Richmond. The match will be Noble’s 93^rd at AFL level, after joining the Club in the 2019 Mid-Season Draft.

Forward Ash Johnson has been named to play his first game at AFL level since Round 21, 2023, after a number of strong performances across Pre-Season match simulation, in particular three goals against North Melbourne.

The tactical substitution will be selected from the extended bench and will be named 60 minutes before the first bounce. 

Coach Craig McRae celebrated Dean’s journey through adversity, when speaking to the media at today’s press conference.

“It’s a great story, Charlie’s last couple of years have been struck down by injury, the foot just kept re-injuring and this time last year he got ruled out for the whole year,” McRae said of young defender Charlie Dean.

“The things you don’t see is starring at that black line in the pool and limping around from trying to regain that belief in your body.

“He’s done a power of work, he’s physically stronger than he’s ever been.

“He’s a great system player. We’re confident that you’ll see a guy that plays Collingwood style, and he gets an opportunity and we’re really, really happy for him.”

McRae also spoke about the return of Noble to the side, and his development across Pre-Season.

“John will play…we want our players to keep coming back and getting better,” McRae said of the defender.

“Clearly, he didn’t get what he wanted at the end of last year, but he’s now fitter and stronger, he’s put on about four or five kilos.

“We need guys like Johnny to get us where we want to be.”

The clash will be the Magpies’ first of the season, and one of four matches to make up the AFL’s inaugural Opening Round.

Collingwood fans can watch the game live on Channel Seven, Fox Sports and kayosports.com.au, with the first bounce at 7:30pm (AEDT).

Collingwood V GWS GIANTS
GIANTS Stadium, Wangal
Saturday March 9, 7:30pm (AEDT)

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