Collingwood has made five changes to its VFL side to face Essendon in their Anzac Day eve clash at the KGM Centre as they search for their second win of the VFL season.

Bobby Hill will return to the field this weekend where the forward will take part in his first VFL game of 2026.

Hill will play limited minutes against Essendon on Friday as he continues to build his fitness.

21-year-old midfielder Ed Allan also returns to the side alongside 2025 Collingwood Next Generation Academy graduates Jai Saxena and Zac McCarthy who were both managed last week.

VFL off-season recruit Zavier Maher rounds out the inclusions, with the midfielder missing the Club’s Round 4 clash against Carlton due to suspension.

Wil Parker has come out of the side, with the defender serving as the emergency for the 31^st AFL Anzac Day clash against Essendon on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

VFL co-captain Ben De Bolfo, Max Mahoney, Harry Mahoney and Xavier Laverty round out the omissions.

De Bolfo, Harrison Kennedy, Charlie McCartin, Max Mahoney, Hamish Collins and Robbie Varcoe will serve as the emergencies.

All the action from Collingwood’s clash with Essendon will be streamed live and free from 2:05pm AEST on Collingwoodfc.com.au.

Smithy’s VFL Round 5
Collingwood v Essendon
Friday 24 April, 2:05pm (AEST)
KGM Centre, Melbourne (Wurundjeri)