New recruit Jack Buller will make his Club debut in Collingwood's Opening Round clash with St Kilda on Sunday evening.
The 24-year-old has settled into his new home in Collingwood’s forward line, looking comfortable in the practice match against North Melbourne, kicking two goals and collecting seven score involvements.
His defensive pressure was on display with the 199cm forward laying five tackles.
He'll be part of a new-look forward line after five-time Gordon Coventry Medallist Brody Mihocek departed over the off-season. Talls Dan McStay and Tim Membrey will also suit up, while last year's Leading Goalkicker Jamie Elliott will lead the attack.
Rested for last week’s trip to Ballarat, midfielders Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey and forwards Elliott and Membrey have all been named for Sunday's match.
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 clash.
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.
Match details
Sunday 8 March
St Kilda v Collingwood
MCG, Wurundjeri
7:20pm (AEDT)
