Bounce
Will Hayes will make his debut in Collingwood’s Round 11 clash with North Melbourne on Saturday night.
Selected with pick 56 in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, the 19-year-old has impressed in his seven matches at VFL level in 2025, averaging 10.1 disposals and a goal a game playing at half-forward.
The Subiaco product’s best performance came in Round 4 against Brisbane where he collected 14 disposals and booted three goals, earning VFL Coach Andy Otten’s best-on-ground honours.
Collingwood Coach Craig McRae announced on Thursday morning that veteran Steele Sidebottom would be the one to make way for Hayes, as he will be managed for the clash.
Captain Darcy Moore will again be absent, with midfielder Nick Daicos taking the reins for the second time in his career following his captaincy debut on Anzac Day against Essendon in Round 7.
Defender Dan Houston has also overcome a corked calf sustained in last week's win over Kuwarna to retain selection for Saturday night.
"We're rapt with how he's gone about [the corked calf]," McRae said to media Thursday morning.
"Credit to him, he did a great job to get up for this week."
Harry DeMattia, Wil Parker and Charlie West will be the emergencies for the match.
The tactical substitution will be selected from the bench and will be named 60 minutes before the first bounce.
Collingwood fans can watch the game live on Fox Footy and kayosports.com.au, with the first bounce at 7:35pm (AEST).
Saturday 24 May
North Melbourne v Collingwood
Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri
7:35pm (AEST)
