Nine Club debutants will take the field on Friday when the Pies’ VFL side opens the 2024 season against Sandringham at RSEA Park.

Tew Jiath – the Club’s second selection in last year’s AFL National Draft will play his first official game in black and white, while SSP selections Lachie Sullivan and Jack Bytel from the AFL squad will also make their maiden appearances in Pies colours.

Ned Long and Sam Sofronidis from the VFL list will play their first games for the Club – Long having arrived from Hawthorn, and Sofronidis a late-comer to the VFL squad following a summer trialling for an AFL rookie spot.

Exciting Wonthaggi recruit Jack Hutchinson has been named in the forward line for his first game at VFL level after two fantastic practice matches, while Wonthaggi teammate Ryan Sparkes will play his first game for the Pies.

Rounding out the debutants are Harrison Kennedy (Northern Bullants) who will make his debut after arriving from the rival club over the summer, as well as 19-year-old defender Jett Hartman who will play his first game at VFL level.

The team will also welcome Charlie Dean and Ash Johnson who played at AFL level last week against the Sydney Swans.

Dean, after making his AFL debut two weeks ago against the GWS Giants, will be part of a strong defensive unit in the clash with the Zebras, while Johnson will assume his position in the forward line.

New Co-captains Campbell Lane and Sam Glover, who line up for game number 75 and 47 respectively, will lead the side together for the first time.

Friday, March 22
Sandringham V Collingwood
RSEA Park, Kulin Nations
4:05pm (AEDT)