Coach Nathan Buckley has called up debutants Ben Kennedy and Jarrod Witts, premiership ruckman Darren Jolly, youngster Josh Thomas and, in a long-awaited return, forward Andrew Krakouer.
Making way for the five inclusions are the injured Alan Toovey, and Ben Hudson, while Jordan Russell, Ben Sinclair and Alex Fasolo have been omitted. Russell and Fasolo have joined Marley Williams as emergencies.
The changes signal a potential facelift to the Magpies forward line, with Jolly and Witts’ inclusion seemingly set to relieve Quinten Lynch of some ruck duties, while Krakouer adds another effective weapon to the Black and White attacking arsenal.
Read collingwoodfc.com.au's Ultimate Preview of Friday night's clash with St Kilda.
After a slow start to the campaign, Krakouer has produced glimpses of his scintillating best at VFL level, with 26 touches last weekend helping inspire Dale Tapping’s side to a 116-point win.
Krakouer made a brief appearance in the NAB Cup but the 30-year old has improved his match fitness with a solid month at VFL level and has built a strong case for a recall.
Also impressing at VFL level has been Josh Thomas, who will make his third appearance after collecting a mammoth 40 touches to continue his breakthrough season.
Drafted in 2009, Thomas endured a torrid run with injuries during the early stages of his career, but displayed admirable determination in forcing his way back into the fray and earn a senior guernsey.
Having been grounded since round two with a rib injury, Jolly will be reintroduced to the Pies midfield, with his 39 hit outs last weekend against Bendigo demonstrating he is ready to tackle the physical rigours of the AFL.
While representing players at either side of the height spectrum, Kennedy and Witts will boast something in common when they become the fourth and fifth Magpies to make their debuts at AFL level this season.
The 19th pick in the 2012 AFL National Draft, Kennedy has been on the verge of senior selection previously this season, earning a call-up as an emergency against Hawthorn.
Renowned for his clean disposal and ability to break clear of stoppages, Kennedy’s strength in the contest belies his size, while his attack at the ball makes him an ideal candidate to bolster Collingwood’s trademark forward pressure.
Witts’ elevation represents a triumph of Collingwood’s recruiting department, with the Sydney-born big man spotted in 2008 via the New South Wales scholarship program and formally recruited in 2011.
Having played rugby union extensively as a junior, Witts was a latecomer to the game, and since being drafted in 2011, has developed his skill set and game sense extensively to force his way into the senior reckoning after less than 18 months on the senior list. He recently signed a three year contract that will tie him to the Westpac Centre until the end of the 2016 season.
Captain Nick Maxwell (2-3 weeks, wrist), Dayne Beams (2-3 weeks, quad), Lachlan Keeffe (2-3 weeks, knee) and Clinton Young (2-3 weeks, hamstring) remain unavailable for selection.
Collingwood v St Kilda
Friday 3 May
Round Six
Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm
Collingwood
B: Nathan Brown. Ben Reid, Brent Macaffer
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O’Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Kennedy, Tyson Goldsack, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Andrew Krakouer, Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Marley Williams
IN: Darren Jolly, Ben Kennedy, Andrew Krakouer, Josh Thomas, Jarrod Witts
OUT: Ben Hudson (leg soreness), Alan Toovey (knee), Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Ben Sinclair (omitted)
NEW: Ben Kennedy (19, Brighton District/Glenelg), Jarrod Witts (20, St Ives/Sydney University)
