Collingwood has named two changes for Saturday afternoon’s Round 17 clash with the Gold Coast SUNS at People First Stadium.
After missing the last two matches, Vice-Captain Brayden Maynard will return to the Magpies’ team having recovered from a shoulder dislocation he sustained in the Round 13 clash with Melbourne.
The defender will be a welcomed addition to the Pies’ back-line, with the 242-game veteran rating elite in disposals, tackles and fantasy points for key defenders this season.
As announced following the Pies’ main training session on Thursday afternoon, defender Liam Puncher will make his AFL debut.
The 195cm key joined Collingwood just over a month ago with pick 15 in the 2026 Mid-Season Draft from SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens.
Originally a member of the Sydney Swans Academy alongside fellow Pie Angus Anderson, Puncher moved to South Australia from New South Wales to play for Sturt.
He lined up alongside Anderson at Sturt before switching from Sturt to Woodville-West Torrens 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.
After experiencing ankle soreness following the Pies’ win over Richmond last Saturday, defender Isaac Quaynor will miss the clash after failing to get through Thursday’s training session.
Midfielder Roan Steele has been omitted for the clash and will join fellow midfielder Angus Anderson and forward Charlie West as Collingwood’s emergencies for the clash.
Veteran Jack Crisp is set to play game 293, drawing level with former West Coast ruck Dean Cox in fourth position for the most games by a player off the rookie list.
Midfielder Pat Lipinski is set to play his 100th Collingwood game in Saturday’s clash after crossing to the Pies ahead of the 2022 season.
Saturday’s clash will mark the 17th occasion Collingwood and Gold Coast have met, with the ledger in the Pies favour with 11 wins.
The match is set for Saturday afternoon at 4:15pm (AEST) at People First Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Match details
Saturday 4 July
4:15pm (AEST)
Gold Coast v Collingwood
People First Stadium, Yugambeh
