Collingwood’s Ned Long and Sam Glover have been selected in the VFL’s 50-player squad for next month’s representative game against South Australia.

The VFL and SANFL will clash for the first time since 2016 during the AFL’s Gather Round on Saturday April 6, with the Pies duo in line for their maiden Big V selections.

With the representative fixture to be played only two rounds into the season, the 23-player team will be named following Round One this weekend to allow selectors to see early season form.

Glover, having recently been named as the Club’s Co-captain alongside Campbell Lane for the 2024 VFL season, is entering his fifth season in the league.

Having kicked 54 goals from 46 games since joining the Club in 2019, the tall is equally adept in defensive fifty as well and will offer versatility if picked in the final team.

Long, who only arrived at Collingwood this summer, has earnt his place in the initial squad through 30 fantastic games at the level for Box Hill through 2022 and 2023.

The big-bodied midfielder was named in the squad for last year’s VFL Team of the Year after averaging 24 disposals and seven score involvements from 13 games.

VFL Senior Coach Josh Fraser said it was a great reflection of the pair’s standing within the league.

“Ned has had an instant impact since joining the Club and has had a fantastic pre-season,” Fraser said.

“He’s played at VFL high level for two years now and would certainly be fit for selection.

“It’s great reward for Glove who’s been a consistent player for a long period.

“It’s a fitting acknowledgement of his standing in the game and we’re hopeful they will both be selected.”

Long and Glover will play their first games of the season this Friday when the VFL side takes on Sandringham at RSEA Park from 4:05pm.