UPDATE: Friday 25 August, 11:00am

Collingwood will field its third debutant of the season with Kayle Kirby named as a late inclusion into Saturday’s team to take on Melbourne.

The excitement-machine replaces Ben Reid in the team after the swingman withdrew from the final home and away game of the season with general soreness.

Kirby, 18, has quickly become a fan favourite after joining Collingwood via Lake Boga and the Bendigo Pioneers with pick No.50 in the 2016 National Draft.

A strong forward with traits drawing comparisons to Cyril Rioli and Byron Pickett, he has been a revelation for coach Jared Rivers and the VFL Magpies this season.

Kirby currently leads the VFL goal kicking tally with 42 majors in 16 matches. The 18-year-old was set for a final round showdown at the Holden Centre with Port Melbourne’s Jordan Lisle, who also has a share of the lead.

He now sets his sights for the MCG.

Collingwood GM of Football Geoff Walsh expressed the excitement of the football club regarding Kirby's debut.

“Kayle arrived at Collingwood as a player with a lot of pure talent,” Walsh said.

“To his credit, he has since worked tremendously hard to embrace the demands of the professional game and his form in the VFL, where he shares leading goal kicking honours, has been strong, consistent and often exciting.

“Tomorrow will be reward for a lot of hard work from Kayle, his coaches and the high performance team who have helped to prepare him for this moment.”

Kirby joins father-sons Callum Brown and Josh Daicos as members of the 2016 National Draft to debut in 2017.

All three will share the field on Saturday as the Magpies will blood close to its youngest side of the year.

Collingwood v Melbourne
AFL Round 23
Saturday 26 August 2017
MCG, 1.45pm

IN: Tyson Goldsack, Brodie Grundy, Kayle Kirby
OUT: Jarryd Blair, Josh Smith (omitted), Ben Reid (soreness)
NEW: Kayle Kirby, 18, Bendigo U18s

Collingwood
B: Brayden Maynard, Lynden Dunn, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon, Jack Crisp
C: Steele Sidebottom, Taylor Adams, Tom Phillips
HF: Josh Daicos, Darcy Moore, Callum Brown
F: Jamie Elliott, Mason Cox, Will Hoskin-Elliott
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Josh Thomas, Adam Treloar
Int: Matthew Scharenberg, James Aish, Tim Broomhead, , Kayle Kirby
Emg: Jarryd Blair, Jackson Ramsay, Josh Smith

ORIGINAL: Friday 25 August, 6:25pm

Collingwood’s 22-man team for its final game of the 2017 season is locked in.

Senior duo Tyson Goldsack and Brodie Grundy will return to round out the year with a clash against Melbourne on Saturday at the MCG.

They replace omitted pair Jarryd Blair and Josh Smith, who each remain in contention for a last minute call up as emergencies.

Uncapped youngster Kayle Kirby is the third emergency.

Signing on for three
Grundy’s return arrives as he confirms the signing of a new contract to remain a Magpie until the end of 2020.

The ruckman, who sat out the past two matches due to suspension, told Collingwood Media he now calls Melbourne home after leaving South Australia five years ago.

“I love the football club. I love playing here,” Grundy told Collingwood Media upon announcing his new deal.

“I really enjoy playing on the MCG and running out with my teammates. I enjoy the camaraderie I have with them.”

The 81-gamer will team with Mason Cox as they ruck against Melbourne star Max Gawn.



Brodie Grundy and Tyson Goldsack will return for the final round of the season.

Ending on the right note
Collingwood will be out to end a four-game losing streak against Melbourne this Saturday.

The Magpies last beat the Dees on the Queen’s Birthday in 2015, when Travis Cloke kicked seven goals in a 25-point victory.

That match was Collingwood’s eleventh straight without loss against Melbourne, dating back to round 20, 2007.