Lachie Sullivan and Will Hayes have been selected for their first games of the 2026 season for Thursday's blockbuster clash with the Brisbane Lions.
The pair replace skipper Darcy Moore and veteran Scott Pendlebury who both succumbed to injuries in last Friday night's win against the GWS GIANTS.
Moore sustained a low-grade hamstring strain during the clash with scans also showing an inflamed bursa behind his knee.He is expected to be available for selection in three to four weeks.
Pendlebury meanwhile experienced Achilles tightness in Friday night’s game with scans clearing him of any damage. He is expected to be available for Collingwood’s Round 5 game against Fremantle at Gather Round.
Sullivan and Hayes both return to the line up for the first time this season and come into the team off strong performances in the VFL last week.
While the Pies ultimately went down by 16 points against the GIANTS at the KGM Centre, both players impacted strongly and hit the scoreboard with one major each.
After debuting in Round 8, 2024, it will be Sullivan's 25th AFL game as he embarks on his third season in the league, while Hayes will appear at the top level for just the third time after registering two appearances in his maiden campaign last year.
The Pies enter the clash with the reigning back-to-back premiers buoyed by both their 33-point victory in Round 3 over the GIANTS and consecutive victories in the past two editions of the Easter Thursday fixture.
In 2024, it was four goals from Jamie Elliott that helped get the Pies over the line by 20 points, while last year it was a Nick Daicos masterclass that led the visitors to a comfortable 52-point win.
Fan-favourite Beau McCreery will play his 100th AFL game in the clash with the Lions, in a fitting full circle moment for the 24-year-old.
The pressure forward made his debut against the same side back in Round 3 of 2021 and has forged a successful career that is now in its sixth season, headlined by becoming a crucial member of the 2023 Premiership team.
In the absence of Darcy Moore, vice-captains Nick Daicos and Brayden Maynard will share the Captaincy duties for the clash.
