Collingwood has named three inclusions for Saturday night’s clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG.
As announced on Thursday morning, 19-year-old Sam Swadling is set to make his AFL debut.
The Western Australian was taken with pick 37 in last year's national draft and has impressed at VFL level.
The midfielder is averaging 27 disposals in the second-tier competition, having amassed 240 disposals across nine games so far. His best performance came in Round 7 against the Sydney Swans, collecting 40 disposals and a goal.
After a stand-out performance in Collingwood VFL’s Round 11 win over Casey where he gathered 33 disposals and nine clearances, midfielder Ned Long has been selected for his AFL return.
The 23-year-old is set to make his 12th appearance of 2026, with his latest match coming in the Pies’ Round 12 loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Sitting within the top 10 for tackles per match in the AFL, Long will be seeking to add to his 66 tackles for the season.
Veteran Steele Sidebottom rounds out the inclusions, with the midfielder set to return after he was managed for the Pies’ Round 13 loss to Melbourne.
The boy from Tallygaroopna will line-up for his 366th AFL match, drawing level with former Footscray/Fitzroy great Bernie Quinlan for the 14th most games played in V/AFL history.
Vice-Captain Brayden Maynard will miss the clash after he sustained a shoulder dislocation during Collingwood’s Round 13 match.
AFL games record holder Scott Pendlebury has been managed for the clash, while young midfielder Angus Anderson has been omitted.
Anderson and defenders Wil Parker and Jakob Ryan will be the emergencies for Saturday night’s clash.
The match is set for Saturday night at 7:35pm (AEST) at the MCG. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Saturday night footy awaits as we kick off Magpie Nest at the ‘G and take on Port Adelaide under the lights at the ‘G. We need the entire Magpie Army behind us for this blockbuster clash. Get your tickets here.
Match details
Saturday 20 June
Collingwood v Port Adelaide
MCG, Wurundjeri
7:35pm (AEST)
