Which midfielder will get the nod to replace the suspended Taylor Adams against West Coast this Saturday? Collingwood Media takes a look at those vying for a place in the senior line up.

A number of VFL Magpies, in particular midfielders Ben Kennedy, Levi Greenwood and Sam Dwyer, are among those putting their hands up for senior selection ahead of Saturday’s crucial round 16 clash with West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

A shoulder injury to Tim Broomhead and Taylor Adams’ two-week suspension have Collingwood looking to bolster their midfield as they face the Eagles formidable on ball group.

Ben Kennedy impressed with 96 player ranking points after compiling 20 disposals against Footscray, including eight clearances and team-high 13 tackles.

Greenwood continued to put his hand up for senior selection and his long-awaited debut for the Black and White after another strong performance on the weekend.

Greenwood amassed a team-high 25 disposals, including nine clearances and eight entries into the attacking 50m.

Teammate Brent Macaffer is not surprised by Greenwood’s on field showing, telling Collingwood Media's From Lulie Street “You know what he brings to the game, he’s hard, attacking and ferocious on the ball”.

Sam Dwyer also received praise from Development Coach Anthony Rocca following his 23 disposal, one goal display. “He played consistently the whole day, mainly playing forward, and put his body on the line on several occasions”, Rocca said.

Despite the loss to Footscray, VFL Coach Dale Tapping said there were “individual positives to come out of it” and Kennedy, Greenwood and Dwyer each continue to make their case for senior selection.

VFL Player Review

2. Sam Dwyer
Statistics: 17 kicks, 7 marks, 6 handballs, 23 disposals, 0 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 3 tackles, 1 goal
Notes: Dwyer had the capacity to link the midfield to the forward line on Saturday at a time when the Magpies struggled to find composure. He was directly linked to three of Collingwood’s 10 goals, kicking one himself and assisting on another two.

7. Ben Kennedy
Statistics: 13 kicks, 0 marks, 7 handballs, 20 disposals, 8 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 13 tackles
Notes: Kennedy relished the wet conditions and excelled for the Magpies in breaking open the contest and moving the ball forward. He had an impressive eight clearances and put plenty of pressure on the Footscray midfield with 13 tackles.

19. Levi Greenwood
Statistics: 16 kicks, 0 marks, 9 handballs, 25 disposals, 9 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50s, 10 tackles
Notes: Greenwood returned to the VFL side after missing a week with thigh soreness. He was ferocious in his attack and shot his name into AFL calculations with an impressive 25-disposal, 10-tackle performance in the midfield.