Collingwood has made three changes to its side ahead of the blockbuster qualifying final against Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.
The Magpies' forward line will be bolstered by Jordan De Goey and Jaidyn Stephenson, while vice-captain Steele Sidebottom returns to the line-up after a week on the sidelines with a groin injury.
De Goey returns from a hamstring injury that saw him miss the final four rounds of the home and away season. The 23-year-old has a proven record first-up after a spell and is raring to go.
“I feel really good. I think I’m probably fitter than I was in the middle of the year. Hammy feels good. I feel good. I’m ready to go,” De Goey told reporters on Monday.
“It was probably more mentally for me and taking the time it [my hamstring] needs. Being locked into finals helps, so I didn’t need to push too hard earlier on.”
Stephenson is set to play his first AFL game since round 12 after which he received a 22-game suspension (12 suspended) for gambling on AFL matches. The 20-year-old hasn’t put a foot wrong during a strenuous training block and was lively for Collingwood’s VFL side two weeks ago.
Captain Scott Pendlebury will achieve a historic milestone of 300 AFL games, the third to do so in the club’s history.
“I’ve been extremely lucky so far across my career, you know, getting that many seasons in and no sort of injuries that have threatened my career. I’m looking forward to playing game 300, but more importantly the final,” Pendlebury told media on Wednesday.
Collingwood have named Matthew Scharenberg, Travis Varcoe, Jack Madgen and Josh Daicos as the emergencies.
The first bounce is set for 7.50pm, with the MCG expected to attract 95,000 fans.
GEELONG v COLLINGWOOD
AFL Qualifying Final
Friday, September 6
MCG, 7.50pm AEST
In: Jordan De Goey, Steele Sidebottom, Jaidyn Stephenson
Out: Jack Madgen, Matthew Scharenberg, Travis Varcoe (omitted)
