Collingwood will blood 2020 draftee Reef McInnes against Geelong on Saturday night at the MCG.

Senior coach Craig McRae told reporters to "watch this space" regarding the Pies forward line set up, in light of Nathan Kreuger going down with a shoulder injury in round two.

McRae announced the news to the playing group on Thursday afternoon and noted the power of work McInnes has put in at VFL level in recent weeks.

"We want to reward behaviours and Reef has been doing a lot right for a long time," McRae said.

"He's been ready (to play AFL) for quite a while.

"Last week watching the VFL he was outstanding and that's a result of his efforts off the field.

"I saw him in the gym every day over Summer - he was someone who impressed me on my first day at the club."

Defender Brayden Maynard returns to the side after sitting out the opening two rounds through suspension, McRae pleased to have one of his best players back on the big stage.

"He's one of our best players so it's a nice in," McRae said.

"We do lose a couple of other players but it's nice to have Brayden back. We're looking forward to seeing him lead from the front and show us what he's good at."

From making a strong impact in the fourth quarter against the Crows, forward Darcy Cameron comes into the starting line-up.

Our medical substitute will be out of Callum Brown, Mason Cox, Tyler Brown and Tom Wilson.

IN: Reef McInnes (debut), Brayden Maynard, Darcy Cameron (R2 medi sub)
OUT: Nathan Kreuger (shoulder), Beau McCreery (hip), Tyler Brown (omitted)

NEW: Reef McInnes

AFL ROUND 3
Collingwood v Geelong
Saturday 2 April
MCG
7.25pm