Collingwood will host its second game at Victoria Park this season when it takes on Werribee on Saturday.
The Pies are searching for their third win of 2024 after a tough stretch over the past month and will be buoyed by having the home ground advantage for just the second time in the first eights rounds.
The sixth-placed Werribee – who were one of last season’s Grand Finalists – will pose a tough challenge, however the Pies will be bolstered by the return of a host of big names.
Last time we met
It was Werribee who went home with the four points the last time the Pies took on the Tigers.
Collingwood travelled out to Avalon Airport Arena late in the 2023 season to plat a rampant Werribee team in the midst of an extended winning streak and ultimately went down by 35 points despite putting up a strong fight.
Former Pie Jack Ginnivan was one of the side’s strongest players on the day with two goals, while current forwards Nathan Krueger and Reef McInnes kicked a goal each.
Jonathan Tomasiello – who was played the last two matches for the Pies this season – was also impressive that day in what was his first season at the Club, kicking a goal from 11 disposals.
Team news
The Pies have seven changes from last week’s clash against the Northern Bullants, with some key players coming back into the side.
Ben Crocker and Ned Long return after both spending the past fortnight on the sidelines, while Ed Allan and Tew Jiath also come back after sitting last week out.
Liam Purcell comes back in for his fifth game of the season, while Ben Silvagni and Harry Mahoney will pull on the black and white for the first time in 2024.
Nathan Krueger goes out of the side to be the AFL team’s emergency, while Aiden Begg will miss through injury having hurt his knee last week.
Indigenous Round
The Pies will wear the Club’s Indigenous guernsey on Saturday, the same day the Pies’ AFL side debuts it against the Adelaide Crows.
Designed by Uncle Trevor Davis – father of Collingwood legend Leon – the jumper tells the story of healing, designed from a piece of art by Uncle Trevor.
Uncle Colin Hunter will conduct a Welcome to Country at Victoria Park pre-match on Saturday, while Collingwood and Werribee will exchange gifts at the coin toss.
How can I watch?
Entry is free to Victoria Park for the double-header with the Pies VFL and VFLW sides, with the first game kicking off at 11.05am.
The game can be streamed live via AFL.com.au or the official AFL Live app.
