80 days too long, but we’re finally back.

Collingwood will blood a new Magpie in round two with Darcy Cameron pulling on the black and white against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday night.

It will be the 24-year-old’s second AFL game, after featuring in one outing for Sydney before being traded to the Magpies last season.

Coach Nathan Buckley revealed on Tuesday that Cameron would be a confirmed starter after Mason Cox had been battling a knee issue leading into round 2 and missed vital match simulation in recent weeks.

READ: Pendlebury says game day preparation will look different in 2020

“It provides the opportunity for Darcy, who has come to us and been enormous in the ruck a lot against Brodes, but has challenged our key forwards as well,” Buckley said.

“We love the way that he’s gone about it and the boys are pumped that he’s going to get his chance.

“Darcy’s major attribute is his aerial strength. His ruck work is definitely something that’s clear to see, and coming along into our program and seeing Brodie and Darcy go head to head in the ruck has really lifted Brodie’s standards.”

 COVID-19 restrictions mean that Scott Pendlebury's usual match day preparations will be slightly different ahead of the blockbuster clash.

"It's a little bit different. Usually after training today a few of the boys would grab lunch at a café and sit there and chill out," Pendlebury said. 

"That usually signifies the game is the next day so those little habits that you're used to over 15 years of time changes. Today I'll probably go home and have lunch at an empty house by myself."

Collingwood's four emergencies are Jaidyn Stephenson, Rupert Wills, Mason Cox, Jay Rantall.

Adam Treloar and Tom Langdon were unavailable for selection.

The first bounce at the MCG is set for 7.40pm. Tune in live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.

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Collingwood v Richmond
AFL Round Two
Thursday 11 June
MCG, 7.40pm

B: Jack Crisp, Jordan Roughead, Jeremy Howe
HB: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, John Noble
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Scott Pendlebury, Chris Mayne
HF: Tom Phillips, Brody Mihocek, Callum Brown
F: Jordan De Goey, Darcy Cameron, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom
Int: Josh Daicos, Josh Thomas, Tyler Brown, Jack Madgen

Emerg: Jaidyn Stephenson, Rupert Wills, Mason Cox, Jay Rantall

In: Darcy Cameron
Out: Mason Cox (omitted)

New: Darcy Cameron