Following Saturday’s loss to the Bombers, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley floated the idea of introducing some of his younger talent to the senior side.

“It might be bringing in a kid before his time just to give him a look,” Buckley said at his post-match press conference.

With seven rounds remaining, Collingwood Media takes a look at five young Magpies who could feature, or debut, in the senior side with seven rounds remaining.

KAYLE KIRBY
Pick 50, 2016 National Draft

The small forward from Lake Boga has quickly emerged as the x-factor of the VFL Magpies’ forward half. A unique mix of pace, power and class has him developing into a genuine – and consistent – attacking option, and one that the senior side could call on in the final seven games. The 18-year-old is a strong overhead mark and an accurate kick in front of goal, and a solid contributor with his defensive pressure.

“Kayle Kirby is the wildcard,” Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark said on Collingwood Media’s ‘The Agenda’.

“He’s an exciting forward, mid-sized. He’s leading the VFL goal kicking with 27 goals…He’s a special talent, and this is the kind of guy who can generate some excitement."

Last three games:
VFL Round 12 v Geelong – 11 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 4 goals
VFL Round 11 v Footscray – 5 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals
VFL Round 10 v Port Melbourne – 11 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals



Kirby leads the VFL's goal kicking with 27 majors. Photo: Shane Barrie.

CALLUM BROWN
Pick 35, 2016 National Draft

It’s been an impressive start to Brown’s career, with the 19-year-old becoming the first of Collingwood’s 2016 draftees to make his senior debut. The son of Gavin Brown has been a pillar of consistency in the midfield at VFL level this season, impressing with his clean disposal and smooth movement around the ground. After two appearances in the senior side earlier this season, Brown could return to Buckley’s line-up as a rotating small forward/midfielder.

Last three games:
VFL Round 12 v Geelong – 22 disposals, 5 marks, 2 clearances, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s
AFL Round 14 v Port Adelaide – 9 disposals, 1 mark, 2 clearances, 1 goal
AFL Round 12 v Melbourne – 16 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 tackles



Brown made his AFL debut on Queen's Birthday against Melbourne. Image: AFL Photos.

JOSH DAICOS
Pick 57, 2016 National Draft

Daicos is another that has provided class, consistency and composure to a VFL Magpies squad that was challenged in the early stages of the season. Roaming across half forward and along the wings, the 18-year-old is one that doesn’t need a lot of time to do something special with the football. Every time he goes near the ball – particularly in the forward pockets of Victoria Park – the Magpie Army starts to get excited. Whether he will debut this season remains to be seen, but the youngster has emerged as a bright young future talent for the Black and White.

Last three games:
VFL Round 12 v Geelong – 21 disposals, 5 marks, 2 clearances, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s
VFL Round 11 v Footscray – 19 disposals, 4 marks, 3 clearances, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal
VFL Round 10 v Port Melbourne – 17 disposals, 4 marks, 6 clearances, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal



Daicos with one of his 21 disposals against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Photo: Shane Barrie.

RUPERT WILLS
Pick 63, 2015 National Draft – former Collingwood VFL-listed player

The 24-year-old isn’t the youngest name on this list, but he may be the most sought after. After suffering an injury crippled preseason, Wills has worked back from his most recent calf injury to dominate the VFL Magpies’ midfield over the past month. With his robust build and his uncompromising attack on the contest, Wills is a player that would add a tougher edge to the Magpies’ midfield.

“I’ve had a pretty interrupted preseason. I was playing some good football, and then I did my calf. It’s been pretty tough,” Will said after his 33-disposal performance against Geelong on the weekend.

“Since returning (from the calf), I’ve been trying to build each week. Hopefully I can keep that going.

"I’m ready for whenever my name may be called (to the senior side). But it depends on if the coaches think my form has been good enough and what the team balance looks like.”

Last three games:
VFL Round 12 v Geelong – 33 disposals, 4 marks, 7 clearances, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s
VFL Round 11 v Footscray – 25 disposals, 2 marks, 8 clearances, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s
VFL Round 10 – Port Melbourne – 22 disposals, 4 marks, 2 clearances, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s



The 24-year-old has been impressive since returning from his calf injury. Photo: Shane Barrie.

JAMES AISH
Pick 7, 2013 National Draft (Brisbane) – traded to Collingwood in 2015

The midfielder has been in and out of Collingwood’s senior side this year, but some strong form at the VFL level has him sliding back into contention for an AFL recall.

After being trialled across half-back earlier this season, and then back to his preferred wing position, Aish was thrown into the middle over the weekend, and he didn’t disappoint.

“James Aish is the other one (who could come in). He went back to the VFL this week, he played as an inside-mid,” Clark said on ‘The Agenda’.

With 28 disposals, eight tackles and a goal, Aish’s influence on the contest was imposing. It was a complete four-quarter performance, highlighted by the grit and toughness he is capable of adding to Collingwood's engine room. At only 21 years of age, Aish has a big few years ahead of him.

Last three games:
VFL Round 12 v Geelong – 28 disposals, 3 marks, 4 clearances, 8 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal
VFL Round 11 v Footscray – 19 disposals, 6 marks, 2 clearances, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s
AFL Round 14 v Port Adelaide – 12 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

 
Aish was named best afield for the VFL Magpies against Geelong. Photo: Shane Barrie.