80 days too long, but we’re finally back.

Collingwood will blood a new Magpie in round two with Darcy Cameron pulling on the black and white against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday night.

It will be the 24-year-old’s second AFL game, after featuring in one outing for Sydney before being traded to the Magpies last season.

Coach Nathan Buckley revealed on Tuesday that Cameron would be a confirmed starter after Mason Cox had been battling a knee issue leading into round 2 and missed vital match simulation in recent weeks.

READ: Pendlebury says game day preparation will look different in 2020

“It provides the opportunity for Darcy, who has come to us and been enormous in the ruck a lot against Brodes, but has challenged our key forwards as well,” Buckley said.

“We love the way that he’s gone about it and the boys are pumped that he’s going to get his chance.

“Darcy’s major attribute is his aerial strength. His ruck work is definitely something that’s clear to see, and coming along into our program and seeing Brodie and Darcy go head to head in the ruck has really lifted Brodie’s standards.”

 COVID-19 restrictions mean that Scott Pendlebury's usual match day preparations will be slightly different ahead of the blockbuster clash.

"It's a little bit different. Usually after training today a few of the boys would grab lunch at a café and sit there and chill out," Pendlebury said. 

"That usually signifies the game is the next day so those little habits that you're used to over 15 years of time changes. Today I'll probably go home and have lunch at an empty house by myself."

Collingwood's four emergencies are Jaidyn Stephenson, Rupert Wills, Mason Cox, Jay Rantall.

Adam Treloar and Tom Langdon were unavailable for selection.

The first bounce at the MCG is set for 7.40pm. Tune in live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.

Follow all the social media action via our official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels. Use the #GoPies hashtag to join in the conversation with the Magpie Army.

Collingwood v Richmond
AFL Round Two
Thursday 11 June
MCG, 7.40pm

B: Jack Crisp, Jordan Roughead, Jeremy Howe
HB: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, John Noble
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Scott Pendlebury, Chris Mayne
HF: Tom Phillips, Brody Mihocek, Callum Brown
F: Jordan De Goey, Darcy Cameron, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom
Int: Josh Daicos, Josh Thomas, Tyler Brown, Jack Madgen

Emerg: Jaidyn Stephenson, Rupert Wills, Mason Cox, Jay Rantall

In: Darcy Cameron
Out: Mason Cox (omitted)

New: Darcy Cameron

Eighty-one days had passed since an AFL game was last played but there will have to be at least one more to celebrate a winner.

Flag fancies Collingwood and Richmond had to settle for a draw at the MCG on Thursday night in a 10-goal slugfest that saw both sides enjoy periods of domination.

It was just the second draw between the mighty clubs, with the first 103 years ago – arguably a fitting result in this unique, COVID-19-impacted season.

A desperate Chris Mayne lunge to spoil denied the Tigers a match-winning goal but tied the scores at 5.6 (36) apiece after Richmond looked likely to run over the top of the Pies in the second half.

There was a wild scramble at the Tigers' half-forward line with about a minute to go but it was Collingwood which had the final – albeit unsuccessful – chance to break the deadlock.

The Magpies kicked the only four goals of the opening term, yet the game was visibly turning even as Tom Phillips kicked his second goal and his side's fifth six minutes into the second quarter.

Slowly the reigning premiers worked their way into the contest, with their famed pressure spiking, after Collingwood expertly picked Richmond apart with 21 uncontested marks in term one.

In a brilliant start, Taylor Adams and young teammates Josh Daicos and Callum Brown combined for 28 disposals by quarter-time, including Adams winning six clearances.

None of that trio could maintain their torrid pace, as the Tigers' leaders awoke from their slumber.

Trent Cotchin and Bachar Houli were steadying presences from go-to-whoa, Dustin Martin was a solid performer, while Dion Prestia shook off a slow start to finish strongly.

Scott Pendlebury won a game-high 31 disposals and had good support from Steele Sidebottom, who kicked one of the Magpies' four opening-quarter majors. 

COLLINGWOOD          4.1       5.3       5.4       5.6 (36)
RICHMOND                 0.1       3.1       5.2       5.6 (36)

GOALS
Collingwood: Phillips 2, Adams, Sidebottom, C.Brown
Richmond: Lynch 3, Bolton, Higgins

BEST
Collingwood: Howe, Pendlebury, Adams, Sidebottom, Phillips, Daicos
Richmond: Cotchin, Houli, Martin, Lynch, Prestia, Lambert

INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Richmond: Nil