Having spent just over six months at their new home, the Holden Centre, Collingwood Media has reviewed how each of the club’s first-year players have fared in 2017.
SAM McLARTY
Pick 30, 2016 National Draft
The athletic defender from the Oakleigh Chargers has shown a lot of promise under Jared Rivers in Collingwood’s VFL program. The 19-year-old is a defensive prospect who will need time to develop, but having played alongside defenders Lynden Dunn and Matthew Scharenberg in the seconds and getting to pick the brains of Collingwood veterans Ben Reid and Tyson Goldsack, McLarty’s learning curve will only continue to grow. His best game of the season came in round four against the Northern Blues, where he amassed 17 disposals, three marks and two tackles.
Games: 7 (VFL)
Disposals: 85
Disposal Efficiency: 80%
Marks: 26
Tackles: 11
Rebound 50s: 10
McLarty has impressed in his seven games for Collingwood's VFL side. Photo: Shane Barrie.
CALLUM BROWN
Pick 35, 2016 National Draft
As the first of the draftees to debut in the senior side, the son of Collingwood great Gavin Brown, has made an impressive start to his Magpie career. The 19-year-old has rotated throughout the midfield and forward line in the VFL, with his clean ball use and smooth movement a clear standout. After consistently performing in the seconds – including recording three 25+ disposals – Nathan Buckley and his coaching staff rewarded the youngster with his first AFL match on Queen’s Birthday. Despite the result, Brown was a solid contributor with 16 disposals, two tackles and four inside 50s.
Games: 7 (6 VFL, 1 AFL)
Disposals: 151
Marks: 13
Tackles: 28
Clearances: 28
Score Assists: 5
Brown made an impression in his Queen's Birthday debut with 16 disposals. Image: AFL Photos.
KAYLE KIRBY
Pick 50, 2016 National Draft
In just a handful of games, the small forward from Lake Boga has become a fan favourite amongst the Magpie Army. With a mix of pace, defensive pressure and accurate goal kicking, Kirby is an x-factor that has Collingwood’s future small forward stocks in good hands. He’s yet to crack into the senior side, but former Bendigo Pioneer is currently tied equal-second for most goals (18) in the VFL. He’s the kind of player that gets fans excited every time he goes near the ball. His best performance to date was his bag of six goals against Sandringham in round seven.
Games: 7 (VFL)
Disposals: 74
Marks: 21
Tackles: 25
Goals: 18
Score Assists: 4
Kirby played his best game against the Zebras where he kicked six goals in the Magpies' second win of the season. Photo: Shane Barrie.
JOSH DAICOS
Pick 57, 2016 National Draft
It’s hasn’t taken 18-year-old long to showcase the class and skill associated with his famous last name. The son of Collingwood champion Peter Daicos has spent time in the middle and up forward in his first seven VFL games, and has shown glimpses of brilliance that would have every Collingwood fan excited. His composure, class and skill for a young player is a feature that will hold him in good stead for a long career at the Magpies. True to his last name, Josh made a superb debut for the VFL Magpies in round one against the Coburg Lions when he recorded 20 disposals, six marks, four tackles, five inside 50s and kicked two goals.
Games: 7 (VFL)
Disposals: 98
Marks: 17
Tackles: 23
Goals: 4
Score Assists: 4
Daicos has been building up his form in the VFL for Colingwood. Photo: Shane Barrie.
MITCH McCARTHY
Pick 7, 2016 Rookie Draft
The former basketballer has had an interrupted start to his career with the Magpies having been troubled by a foot complaint that his limited him to just five VFL games. However, the former Dandenong Stingray product has all the tools to develop into an exciting prospect for the club. His height and athleticism has seen him play predominantly in the ruck, although he is capable of playing in the forward line. His talents in front of goal were put on display in the preseason where he kicked three goals in a game.
Games: 5 (VFL)
Disposals: 46
Marks: 17
Hitouts: 53
Clearances: 7
Score Assists: 2
McCarthy recieves contact while disposing of the ball in a preseason game against the Bulldogs. Photo: Shane Barrie.
HENRY SCHADE
Pick 24, 2016 Rookie Draft
The former Gold Coast Sun defender has relished in his fresh start at the Holden Centre, having featured in eight games under Nathan Buckley this season. The 23-year-old has been entrusted with the job to shut down some of opposition’s best forwards. When the Magpies travelled to Sydney in round three, Schade kept Lance Franklin goalless, whilst also impressing with 16 disposals and six tackles of his own. An exciting future at Collingwood looms for the key defender.
Games: 10 (8 AFL, 2 VFL)
Disposals: 142
Marks: 51
Tackles: 13
Rebound 50s: 25
Henry Schade and Dustin Martin battle for position during the Magpies' round two clash against Richmond. Image: AFL Photos.
LIAM MACKIE
Pick 39, 2016 Rookie Draft
As the cousin of Geelong defender Andrew Mackie, the 18-year-old utility has shown that good decision making and attacking rebound football must run in the family. The South Australian product has been a consistent performer for Rivers and his coaching staff in the VFL, having recorded double figures in disposals in every game barring one. His best game came in round four against the Northern Blues where he finished with 17 possessions and five marks.
Games: 8 (VFL)
Disposals: 106
Marks: 21
Tackles: 9
Inside 50s: 12
Liam Mackie pushes the ball forward for the VFL Magpies. Photo: Shane Barrie.
MAX LYNCH
Pick 51, 2016 Rookie Draft
In the first eight games of his Collingwood career, the former Murray Bushranger has been honing in his craft as a developing ruckman. The former soccer player has shouldered the majority of the VFL Magpies’ ruck load, and is progressing nicely as he works under Brodie Grundy and Mason Cox. In Collingwood VFL’s loss to Essendon in round two, Lynch was one who impressed with 12 disposals, 14 hitouts and two clearances.
Games: 8 (VFL)
Disposals: 60
Marks: 15
Hitouts: 88
Clearances: 5
Inside 50s: 8
Max Lynch flies for the ball during a ruck contest against the Casey Demons. Photo: Shane Barrie.
