Listed in the 26-man squad are two youngsters who could make their AFL debuts, while a recruit is also a chance for a Collingwood debut in Sunday night’s blockbuster.

New recruit Jack Buller could be in-line to make his Club debut following 10 matches for Sydney after the Club picked up the key forward in the 2023 Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 24-year-old has settled into his new home in Collingwood’s forward-line, looking comfortable in the practice match against the Kangaroos, kicking two goals and collecting seven score involvements.

His defensive pressure was on display with the 199cm forward laying five tackles.

After his first AFL pre-season was interrupted by injury, 195cm defender Joel Cochran has been named on the extended bench after impressing in both practice matches.

After sharing the ruck duties with Darcy Cameron in last week’s AAMI Community Series clash with the Kangaroos, 2023 SSP signing Oscar Steene has also been named on the extended bench.

Rested for last week’s trip to Ballarat, midfielders Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey and forwards Jamie Elliott and Tim Membrey have all been named for Opening Round.

Following an exceptional 38-disposal Origin performance, Vice-Captain Nick Daicos has been named to make his return after missing the Pies’ practice matches. He will lead the side for the Opening Round match.

Earlier in the week, it was announced Captain Darcy Moore and defenders Jeremy Howe and Reef McInnes would be unavailable for Opening Round due to injury.

Collingwood Senior Coach Craig McRae is set to coach his 100th AFL game in Sunday night's match.

The South Australian took over the Magpies at the beginning of the 2021 pre-season, taking Collingwood from a 17th place finish in 2021 to a preliminary final in 2022.

The former Brisbane Lions forward would go one better in 2023, leading the Pies to their 16th premiership in a defeat of  his old team.

With a winning percentage of 68.69%, the Pies' head honcho holds the highest winning percentage of all current AFL coaches. He also has the highest winning percentage of all VFL/AFL coaches to have coached more than 90 games.

The match is set for Sunday at 7:20pm (AEDT) at the MCG. The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, 7+, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.

The final team, including three emergencies, will be selected from the extended squad and named at 5pm on Friday 6 March.

Match details

Sunday 8 March

St Kilda v Collingwood

MCG, Wurundjeri

7:20pm (AEDT)