Defenders Marley Williams and Tom Langdon, join emerging ruck Brodie Grundy as inclusions for the match, which looms as pivotal in shaping Collingwood’s ambitions as the home and away season approaches its final stanza.
The trio have been named in place of Jesse White (omitted), Jamie Elliott (hamstring tightness) and Luke Ball (calf tightness).
Despite his youth, Williams has firmly established himself as a pillar of Collingwood’s backline, and a favourite of senior coach Nathan Buckley over the last two seasons for his discipline, endeavour and ability to handle any defensive assignment.
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Averaging a career-high 17 disposals per game, including over three rebound 50s, and nearly 20 metres gained per possession, Williams’ inclusion will provide added steel to the Magpie backline as it attempts to repel a Gold Coast attack which has spurred its side to five wins at home this season.
Fellow fledgling back Langdon will also make an immediate return after missing last weekend’s fixture with Carlton through concussion.
Among the leading contenders for the 2014 AFL Rising Star award, Langdon’s meteoric climb to the senior ranks belies the undoubted calmness and poise which characterises his game.
Recording seven 20 plus disposal outing this year, Langdon has immediately become a fixture of the Magpie defence, with his uncanny ability to intercept attacking forays making him an invaluable member of the side.
Read collingwoodfc.com.au's Ultimate Preview of Saturday's match.
Meanwhile, Grundy has been selected following a pair of strong performances at VFL, which saw the South Australian average 29 hit outs, 13 hit outs, six clearances and six tackles per game.
Lining up against Richmond’s Shaun Hampson last weekend, Grundy acquitted himself well against his more experienced counterpart, helping the VFL Magpies record a 49-point win over the Tigers in Morwell.
Omission White has been named alongside youngsters Tim Broomhead and Jonathon Marsh as an emergency for the match.
Gold Coast v Collingwood
Round 16
Saturday 5 July
Metricon Stadium, 4.40pm
Collingwood
B: Paul Seedsman, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Marley Williams, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Steele Sidebottom, Brent Macaffer, Clinton Young
HF: Tyson Goldsack, Brodie Grundy, Dane Swan
F: Jarryd Blair, Travis Cloke, Ben Kennedy
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int: Sam Dwyer, Josh Thomas, Taylor Adams, Tom Langdon
Emg: Jesse White, Tim Broomhead, Jonathon Marsh
IN: Brodie Grundy, Tom Langdon, Marley Williams
OUT: Luke Ball (calf), Jamie Elliott (hamstring), Jesse White (omitted)
Gold Coast
B: Kade Kolodjashnij, Steven May, Greg Broughton
HB: Sean Lemmens, Rory Thompson, Trent McKenzie
C: Jarrod Harbrow, Gary Ablett, Michael Rischitelli
HF: David Swallow, Tom Lynch, Harley Bennell
F: Charlie Dixon, Sam Day, Aaron Hall
Foll: Zac Smith, Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia
Int: Danny Stanley, Alex Sexton, Jesse Lonergan, Jack Martin
Emg: Matt Shaw, Tom Murphy, Luke Russell
IN: Sean Lemmens, Aaron Hall
OUT: Luke Russell, Matt Shaw (omitted)
