Collingwood is set to blood its first debutant of the season with defender Isaac Quaynor to play his first game for the club against Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG.
Magpies coach Nathan Buckley surprised the 19-year-old in front of his teammates ahead of training on Wednesday.
“What I can declare though, Isaac you’re going to play your first game of AFL footy on Friday,” Buckley said.
The Magpies’ Next Generation Academy graduate has been an exciting prospect since walking in to the club in November last year. The dashing defender is known to break the lines with his speed and precise decision making that has fit in to the AFL system seamlessly.
The 19-year-old says he’ll relish at the opportunity that’s before him on Friday night.
“I’m excited to get an opportunity and play my first game for Collingwood. It came as a bit of a surprise but I’m looking forward to getting out onto the MCG and playing my role for the team,” Quaynor said.
In remarkable circumstances, a close friend of Quaynor’s predicted when he would play his first game.
“Funnily enough, my mate had a dream about 10 days ago that I would debut against Hawthorn. It’s pretty crazy how it’s all happened,” Quaynor said.
In 10 games for Collingwood’s VFL side, the 180cm defender is averaging 19.1 disposals and 3.6 tackles.
Quaynor has supported Collingwood since he was a child and was selection No.13 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.