Collingwood defender Wil Parker will play his first VFL match of 2026 on Good Friday when he faces Coburg at Barry Plant Park.

Parker, who missed last week’s season opener as the AFL side’s travelling emergency in their win over the GIANTS will be a handy inclusion for VFL Senior Coach Matthew Lokan’s side as they look to secure their maiden of the season.

Midfielder Ed Allan has also been named, with the 21-year-old looking to replicate his Round 2 performance which saw him named Lokan’s MVP following a stellar 31 disposal and eight inside-50 performance in the Pies’ season opener against the GIANTS.

Parker and Allan are among 16 AFL-listed players named for Collingwood, with defender Reef McInnes continuing to increase his minutes following last week’s first official return since rupturing his ACL in 2025.

Forward Harvey Harrison is fit and ready to go despite an injury scare last week when he came off early against the GIANTS and will suit up alongside the likes of 2025 AFL draftees Zac McCarthy and Jai Saxena.

Charlie West and Noah Howes will both play a key role in the forward line with the pair each kicking two majors last week, while off-season recruit Jack Buller – who had 21 disposals and eight clearances against the GIANTS – will look impress again. 

VFL recruit and former Melbourne AFL player Taj Woewodin has been named for his first game for the black and white, with the son of former Demon and Pie Shane named in the forward pocket.

Will Hayes and Lachie Sullivan will miss the clash after being recalled to senior duties in the Pies’ AFL clash with the Lions on Easter Thursday.

Max Mahoney, Charles McCartin, Josh Browne, Tadhg McCarthy, Josh Bennetts, Harry Mahoney and Xavier Laverty will serve as emergencies for the clash.

Catch all the action in Friday afternoon’s clash with Coburg live and free on Collingwoodfc.com.au.

Smithy’s VFL Round 3
Coburg v Collingwood
Friday 3 April, 1:05pm (AEDT)
Barry Plant Park, Coburg (Wurundjeri)