Collingwood has confirmed the addition of six more players to its VFL playing list for season 2015.

New faces Gus Borthwick and Kieran Ellis join returning quartet Lachlan Wallace, Tim Allan, Scott Greenhough and Cal Matheson in putting pen to paper to commit to the new season.

Borthwick arrives via Melbourne Grammar.

The onballer did not participate in the TAC Cup system but made his name in the Associated Public Schools of Victoria competition.

“Gus has worked really hard in the pre-season and accessed all that the program has to offer given he hasn’t played in TAC Cup footy. Being in our VFL program was a real change of pace from school footy,” VFL General Manager Luke Gatti told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“Gus turned 18 just before the New Year but his body and strength is further progressed than that.

“There have been occasions in training and match simulation when his attack on the footy, tackles and blocks have really rocked some of the boys – even the solidly built lads like Ben Moloney and Jack Hellier."

Gatti believes Borthwick may be an option as one of Collingwood’s 23rd men this season. The 23rd player rule is designed to enable clubs to promote young talent and provide them with a taste of VFL football to aid their development.

Ellis, meanwhile, has already experienced life in the state league competition.

He played two games for Collingwood and Essendon last season while playing as an overage player for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup.

“We’re excited about Kieran’s prospects and developing his game further at VFL level after playing some games in defence for us before breaking his hand last year,” Gatti said.

“He’s nice lad from the country that will be a great addition to our group.”

Of the returning quartet, Wallace is the most experienced, having played 36 VFL games for the club since joining ahead of the 2012 season.

A disciplined defender, Wallace has the ability to play through the midfield where he has been deployed in several tagging roles over the years.

“Lachie’s ability to play a role for us in any part of the ground with dedication is an attractive quality for us,” Gatti said.

“He provides leadership with his outstanding training and preparation standards.

“His commitment to the program is highly impressive, as he has to drive from Pearcedale to get to training, and he identifies the learning and coaching received at Collingwood as one the reasons he continues to make the trek.”

The other trio – Allan, Greenhough and Matheson – have been on the VFL list for the past two years.

Allan, a tall utility who has played predominantly in attack, has played 33 games since arriving from Port Melbourne, making his mark with a bag of five goals against Coburg in 2013.

“Tim is really maturing as player and has taken it upon himself to bit more of a leader around the group,” Gatti continued.

“Despite playing mostly as a second or third tall forward for the majority of his games, with his height and versatility we could see Tim playing down back and on the wing when required.

“He is really well versed and thoroughly understands our structures and game principles.”

Greenhough and Matheson began their time at the club on the VFL Development list but have made great strides in the years since.

Greenhough, a strong bodied ruck prospect, added seven games to a career tally of seven in 2014 and was an important contributor in the run to the finals.

Matheson, meanwhile, broke through for his VFL debut against Richmond midway through last season. He quickly proved himself as a dangerous half forward with the ability to push into the midfield.

“The Hoff (Greenhough) is back on board for this third season. He has developed really nicely and had a really strong uninterrupted preseason out on the track and in the gym,” Gatti said.

“Scott has a naturally impressive tank, producing some great times in his two-kilometre time trial.

“With a good vertical leap Scott has given us good coverage in the ruck and we’ll look to help him develop other areas of his game to play key position roles as well.

“Cal Matheson is also back for his third year at the club.

“His improvement has really impressed the coaches and he put some strong performances together last year before he suffered a shoulder injury in the early stages our final home and away game.

“A neat small forward who shows poise and class to set up teammates and finishes really well in front of goal, Cal will look to improve further and eye off that spot vacated by Lachie Ferguson at half forward.”