New recruits Tom Mitchell, Daniel McStay, and Bobby Hill have all been named for Friday’s clash against Geelong.  

Arriving at Collingwood by a three-way trade with the Geelong and Hawthorn in October last year, Tom Mitchell will follow in the footsteps of his father, Barry, who played 13 games for the Pies in 1993.  

The 2018 Brownlow Medallist has played 171 games and kicked 76 goals at AFL level, also winning two Best and Fairest awards at Hawthorn.  

At 195cm, Daniel McStay will make his Club debut after 161 games and 138 goals across nine campaigns with Brisbane.  

Upon joining the Club, McStay said the Magpie Army was a big factor in his decision:  

“The Magpie Army has been massive for Collingwood over the past year. Having such a strong and passionate supporter base without a doubt would have contributed to those close games and supported the side to a finals campaign.  

“I’ve played in front of a fair few big crowds at the MCG, but unfortunately they’ve always been barracking for the other side,” he added.  

“It will be nice to play in front of 80 or 90,000 and have them in our favour.”  

22-year-old small forward Bobby Hill has shown moments of brilliance during pre-season and today has been rewarded with selection.  

As a Whadjuk-Ballardong Noogar man, on Friday night Hill will be the 19th Aboriginal man to represent Collingwood at AFL level.  

The four emergencies for Collingwood’s Round 1 clash are Billy Frampton, Reef McInnes, Josh Carmichael, and Oleg Markov.

The Pies will confirm the substitute 60 minutes before the opening bounce.  

AFL Round 1 
Geelong v Collingwood 
Friday 17 March 
MCG, Wurundjeri Country 
7.40pm