Half-back Martin Clarke has been named as the sole inclusion for the Black and Whites in their first outing against the Swans since last year’s Preliminary Final, replacing emerging inside midfielder Josh Thomas.
The solitary change represents the most stable line-up fielded by Collingwood this season, Buckley rewarding the side which delivered the club an impressive six-point triumph over the hitherto undefeated Cats.
Unavailable last weekend through injury, Clarke’s return provides the Magpies with an added injection of dash and creativity rebounding out of defence as the side seeks to build upon its Geelong victory and continue a march towards the top four.
Thomas meanwhile can be considered unfortunate to find himself on the outer despite a solid performance against the Cats, emphasising the impressive depth of talent at Buckley’s disposal.
Though named an emergency for the clash, Thomas will receive a chance to press his claim for an immediate recall when he lines up for the Magpies VFL side against Essendon at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Joining Thomas on the emergencies list is veteran Alan Didak, and forward Ben Sinclair, while defender Heath Shaw, who missed the Geelong match through suspension, is an injury enforced absentee with a minor lower back complaint.
His stint on the sidelines however is likely to be short lived, with Shaw likely to be available for the trip to Brisbane in round 10. Shaw trained earlier today and is expected to train solidly next week and reclaim his place.
On the injury front, Dayne Beams remains unavailable until round 14 with a quad injury, while Clinton Young while is at least a fortnight away as he overcomes a hamstring strain.
Their respective prognosis’ are clearly less grave than those of Alex Fasolo and Dale Thomas, with the duo facing an uphill struggle to return for the finals series after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
Collingwood v Sydney
Round Nine
Friday 24 May
MCG, 7.50pm
Collingwood
B: Nathan Brown, Ben Reid, Harry O’Brien
HB: Jordan Russell, Nick Maxwell, Marley Williams
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Luke Ball
HF: Jamie Elliott, Quinten Lynch, Brent Macaffer
F: Ben Kennedy, Travis Cloke, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Andrew Krakouer, Marty Clarke, Jarrod Witts, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Alan Didak, Josh Thomas, Ben Sinclair
IN: Marty Clarke
OUT: Josh Thomas (omitted)
Sydney
B: Nick Malceski, Ted Richards, Nick Smith
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
C: Lewis Jetta, Ryan O'Keefe, Dan Hannebery
HF: Mitch Morton, Sam Reid, Jude Bolton
F: Luke Parker, Adam Goodes, Ben McGlynn
Foll: Mike Pyke, Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack
Int: Craig Bird, Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb, Shane Mumford
Emg: Tony Armstrong, Tom Mitchell, Tommy Walsh
IN: Jed Lamb
OUT: Tommy Walsh (omitted)
NEW: Jed Lamb (20, Yarram/Gippsland U18)
