Collingwood will head to RSEA Park on Friday to take on the Sandringham Zebras in the opening game of the 2024 VFL season.
The game will be the first time a Collingwood men’s side has played at Moorabbin since 1991, with the Zebras’ usual home ground Trevor Barker Oval hosting many of the two Clubs’ VFL matches in the past three decades.
After two pre-season games, the Pies are eager to kick off their 2024 campaign as they aim to rise up the ladder this season.
Last time they met
The Pies took on Sandringham late in the 2023 season at the AIA Vitality Centre, running out 16-point winners.
On a wet and gloomy day, it was the Pies’ class with ball in hand that helped them emerge victorious, with many AFL-listed players starring. Josh Carmichael and Finlay Macrae had 29 and 26 disposals respectively, while Ed Allan was also strong with 25 touches.
Ash Johnson kicked two goals in the win – part of 14 goals the forward kicked from eight VFL games last season.
The victory helped the Pies inch closer to the eventual wildcard berth they would secure in 2023.
Any debuts?
There’s nine!
Newly listed VFL players Ned Long and Sam Sofronidis will play their first games for the Club on Friday, as will Harrison Kennedy, Jett Hartman, Ryan Sparkes and Jack Hutchinson.
SSP recruits Lachie Sullivan and Jack Bytel will also make their Club debuts from the AFL list, as will 19-year-old draftee Tew Jiath.
Bytel, having come from St. Kilda where the midfielder spent five seasons on their AFL list, will play against his old side in Sandringham where he played 24 games. Sofronidis is also a former Zebra, having played two games for them in 2019.
Jiath, the Club’s second selection in last year’s National Draft, will play his first official game in black and white after an impressive first pre-season at the AIA Vitality Centre.
Key players to watch
Sullivan and Long have been some of the VFL competition’s strongest players of the past two years for Footscray and Box Hill respectively and will be crucial additions to the Pies’ midfield in 2024.
They will be joined by second-year midfielder Ed Allan through the centre of the ground, who heads into 2024 after averaging 20 disposals in his debut year from 18 matches.
Fellow second-year player Jakob Ryan is also primed for an exciting season, having overcome injuries that hampered him following his AFL debut in Round 23 last year.
We’re back at Moorabbin?
Friday’s game will be the first time a Collingwood men’s side has played at Moorabbin – now known as RSEA Park – since 1991.
The two Clubs have played each other many times over the past 33 years – with Collingwood and St. Kilda often playing at the MCG or Marvel Stadium, and the Pies and Zebras either at Victoria Park or Trevor Barker Oval.
Throughout their history, the Pies have a positive record in men’s matches at Moorabbin, winning 12 of the 19 games played at the venue.
How can I watch?
Entry is free at RSEA Park for the Round One clash, with the game kicking off at 4:05pm.
The match will also be streamed live on AFL.com.au and the official AFL app.
Friday, March 22
Sandringham V Collingwood
RSEA Park, Kulin Nations
4:05pm (AEDT)
