The Collingwood selection committee has confirmed three changes to the starting 22, with Jordan De Goey, Nathan Kreuger and Trey Ruscoe coming into the team for Taylor Adams (suspended), Dan McStay (injured) and Nathan Murphy (injured).

Trey Ruscoe, who played four games at AFL level in 2022, has been selected following strong form at VFL level.  

Ruscoe has been a standout in Collingwood's VFL Team in 2023, with 27 disposals against Port Melbourne in round two, backed up by 25 disposals against Brisbane in the following fixture. 

In his weekly press conference, Senior Coach Craig McRae was full of praise for Nathan Kreuger, who returns for the first time since 2022. 

“Nathan Kreuger will come in and play some minutes,” said McRae.  

“He’s done more running that anyone else on our list. His GPS markers are huge.”

McRae also reflected on the experience of his group, especially Scott Pendlebury, who will play in his 16^th ANZAC Day match on Tuesday.

Pendlebury is second only to Dustin Fletcher (18), who has played the most ANZAC Day matches.

“As a first-year coach last year, I was just in awe of the group’s ability to continue to turn up on the big stage,” said McRae.

“Pendles and Steele Sidebottom (have) huge experience in that. They pass those experiences down to others.

“Last year we’d played the minutes, not the occasion. This year, we’ll play the minutes, not the occasion.”

The four emergencies for Tuesday’s match are Trent Bianco, Finlay Macrae, Will Kelly, and Reef McInnes. The starting substitute will be confirmed 60 minutes prior to the first bounce.

AFL Round 6
Collingwood v Essendon
3.20pm
MCG, Wurundjeri Country

INS: De Goey, Kreuger, Ruscoe
OUTS: Adams (Suspended), Murphy (Injured), McStay (Injured), Wilson (Sub)