Mid-season draftee Liam Puncher will make his AFL debut this Saturday afternoon when Collingwood travels to the Gold Coast to take on the SUNS.

The news was announced to the playing group as the squad trained at Southport on Thursday afternoon in their main session of the week.

Arriving at the Club only a little over a month ago, the defender has impressed across four VFL games in black and white to earn his chance.

Originally a member of the Sydney Swans Academy, Puncher was taken in the May's Mid-Season Draft from SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens.

Puncher originally moved to South Australia from New South Wales to play for Sturt where he lined up alongside young midfielder Angus Anderson, before switching clubs at the end of 2024.

The 22-year-old has averaged 11 disposals and 5.5 marks in his four VFL games for the Pies, admirably playing his role in key defence. 

His maiden chance at the top level comes in a crunch clash with the SUNS who sit one spot below the 10th-placed Pies on the ladder.