Harry DeMattia will play his first game in Collingwood colours when he lines up for the Club’s VFL side on Saturday in their first game at Victoria Park of 2024. 

The 18-year-old had been tracking well in his first pre-season at the Club before injuring one of his fingers on the eve of the first pre-season games of the year.

That injury has sidelined him for the past two months, however DeMattia is now ready to begin his journey at Collingwood.

He is part of four strong inclusions for the clash against Essendon, with Reef McInnes coming into the side for his first VFL game of 2024, Lachie Sullivan returning after being managed last week, and Jakob Ryan also coming back after a short-term hand injury.

McInnes hasn’t played at VFL level since last year’s Wildcard clash against Richmond and has played four games at AFL level this year.

The forward will line up as the deepest key on Saturday, with the 21-year-old looking to add to his 39 goals from his 24 career VFL matches.

Sullivan, who is in his firsts season at the Club, sat out last week’s Round Four clash with Essendon, however, is back in for his fourth game in Collingwood colours.

The Round Five clash will be his 73rd at VFL level and first for the Pies at their home ground of Victoria Park.

He will line up in a strong midfield that includes Finlay Macrae, Ned Long, and Ed Allan.

Ryan has missed the last two games of 2024 through a hand injury sustained at training earlier this month.

VFL-listed players Cooper Macdonald, Harrison Kennedy, Tom Wilson, and Patrick Farrant are the four outs for Saturday’s game.

Saturday April 27
Collingwood v Essendon
Victoria Park, Wurundjeri 
2:05pm (AEST)