Craig McRae has made four changes to Collingwood’s side for Friday night’s Round 24 clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
Emerging Magpies Finlay Macrae, Joe Richards, Charlie Dean and Ed Allan all come into the side for Collingwood’s last home and away game for season 2024.
Dan McStay (managed), Billy Frampton (omitted), Jack Bytel (omitted) and Ned Long (omitted) are the four players to make way.
Frampton and Long join young half back Jakob Ryan as the three emergencies, while the tactical substitute will be selected from the extended bench and will be named 60 minutes prior to the first bounce.
The clash marks Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury’s 403rd at AFL level, which will take to equal fourth position for V/AFL games played, alongside Richmond champion Kevin Bartlett.
Friday night will be the 305th time that Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom have played alongside eachother, equalling Geelong pairing Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood for the second most games together as teammates in V/AFL history.
The four inclusions return to the AFL side after strong form in the VFL, including in last weekend’s eight-point victory over Brisbane.
Charlie Dean starred with 17 marks including 11 intercepts, Finlay Macrae was instrumental with 37 disposals and eight clearances, Richards hit the scoreboard on two occasions while Allan amassed 27 disposals and six clearances in the Club’s final VFL game of 2024.
For the quartet, it will be further exposure at AFL level after all making appearances across season 2024.
Dean made his AFL debut in Opening Round and has played seven games across the year, Richards debuted in Round Nine and has booted five goals in his eight games, Allan debuted in Round 11, while Macrae played eight games in 2024, taking his career tally to 20.
Daicos bestowed honour for second year running
Collingwood Midfielder Nick Daicos has been named as Captain of the AFL Players Association’s
Friday’s clash will be the second time in 2024 that Collingwood has come face to face with Melbourne, following the Round 13 King’s Birthday clash.
The Magpies ran out 38-point winners as Jack Crisp took home the Neale Daniher Trophy for best on ground with his 27 disposals and six clearances, while Nathan Kreuger returned to AFL in style booting three goals – his first at the level in over 700 days.
Collingwood fans are encouraged to get to the MCG on Friday night to support their team, with tickets available now from Ticketek.
