Exciting forward Georgia Clark will make her AFLW debut in Friday’s Week Five clash with the Gold Coast SUNS.

Clark was taken with the Pies’ first selection at pick eight in the 2023 AFLW Draft, and will join fellow draftees Lucy Cronin and Amber Schutte in pulling on the black and white this year.

Hailing from Tasmania, Clark was a force for her state side and NAB League team the Tasmania Devils during her junior years and has earnt the nickname ‘G Clunk’ at the Pies for her strong contested marking.

The Pies will also be boosted by the returns of key leaders Brittany Bonnici and Mikala Cann.

The midfield duo return from a calf injury and suspension respectively and will lift the side for the AFL Grand Final Eve clash.

Vice-Captain Ruby Schleicher collected 17 disposals in an impressive midfield display during last Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs, while Week Four Telstra Rising Star Nominee Lucy Cronin also starred with a career-high 20 disposals.

Cronin has been a revelation in her first five games in Collingwood colours, taking on some of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

At just 18 years of age, Cronin will play her first game alongside Clark after the pair were taken with consecutive picks in last year’s draft.

Schutte will miss the match having experienced delayed concussion symptoms following Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs. Erica Fowler and Eleri Morris have both been omitted.  

Still searching for their first win of the season, the Pies will take on the SUNS in the heart of the AFL Footy Festival.

With the AFL Grand Final Parade kicking off at 10:30pm on Friday morning, fans are encouraged to come down to the Swinburne Centre to watch the Pies-SUNS clash, which kicks off at 12:05pm.

The game will see Ruck Sabrina Frderick bring up her 7th career game, and small forward Alana Porter her 50th. 

The game will also be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.

AFLW Week Five
Friday 27 September
Collingwood v Gold Coast SUNS
Swinburne Centre, Wurundjeri
12:05pm (AEST)

In: Georgia Clark (debut), Brittany Bonnici, Mikala Cann

Out: Amber Schutte (concussion), Erica Fowler, Eleri Morris