The return of Jamie Elliott headlines three changes to Collingwood’s side for Friday night’s Round 18 clash against Geelong at the MCG.

Elliott is joined by John Noble and Reef McInnes as the three inclusions for the game, replacing Brody Mihocek (pectoral), Jeremy Howe (hamstring) and Charlie Dean (omitted).

The three emergencies are Finlay Macrae, Lachlan Sullivan and Ash Johnson.

The tactical substitute will be selected from the extended bench and will be named 60 minutes prior to the first bounce.

Elliott will play his first game since Round Nine’s thrilling win over Carlton, after being sidelined with a vascular issue. The forward has completed a strong training block over the past three weeks and will bolster the Magpies’ forward line for Friday’s clash in what will be his ninth game of 2024.

Elliott has booted 14 goals this season, placing him equal third with Nick Daicos on the Magpies’ tally. The Round 18 clash will be the 31-year-old’s 188^th career game.

Noble comes back into the side after being placed in the AFL concussion protocols after the Magpies’ Round 16 clash against the Gold Coast SUNS, which saw him miss last week’s defeat to Essendon.

Noble has averaged 19.6 disposals and 2.5 tackles from his 13 games in 2024, including 29 disposals and a goal in his 100^th AFL game in Round 10.

McInnes will play his 19^th career game and eighth of 2024 when he returns on Friday night. The forward has booted 12 goals across the year and averages 2.7 marks a game.

Friday’s clash is set to be a celebration of Collingwood’s 2010 Premiership, with the team missing out on a formal celebration 10 years on in 2020 due to COVID-19. The Magpie Army are encouraged to get to the MCG to help celebrate the 2010 Magpies and to cheer on the current day team in Friday’s clash.

The March to the ‘G will once again take place from 6:30pm at the AIA Vitality Centre, with festivities kicking off at 4:30pm. For more information, visit the Magpie Army Hub.

Friday 12 July
Collingwood v Geelong
MCG, Wurundjeri
7:40pm (AEST)
IN: Elliot, Noble, McInnes
OUT: Mihocek (pectoral), Howe (hamstring), Dean (omitted)