Sidelined since rupturing his ACL against Carlton in round three last year, Ball has endured a lengthy journey back to the senior ranks, overcoming an early season setback before making his long awaited return at VFL level last month.
Averaging 30 disposals per game in his two outings for the VFL Magpies, Ball’s stellar form provided ample evidence the 29-year old was ready to make the step up to AFL action, although he was spared the gruelling journey to Perth.
However, with Collingwood facing its sternest challenge thus far, having twice suffered defeat in its last three matches, Ball will be thrust back into the fray as the Magpies seek to reaffirm its top four status as a top four aspirant.
Defenders Jordan Russell and Marley Williams, selected for the first time in 2013, and emerging ruckman Jarrod Witts join Ball in earning a senior call-up this week, with Dale Thomas (ankle), Heath Shaw (suspension), Martin Clarke (illness) and Caolan Mooney (omitted) dropping out of the squad.
Having suffered a series of blows to its defensive stocks this season, and facing Shaw’s enforced one-week absence, coach Nathan Buckley has turned to Russell and Williams to reinforce his backline and counter Geelong’s explosive forward line.
Overlooked for selection after Collingwood’s defeat to Essendon on Anzac Day, Russell bounced back the following week with an impressive 33 disposal effort against Williamstown at VFL level to press his claims for an immediate return to action.
While captain Nick Maxwell’s expedited return from a wrist injury temporarily put pay to Russell’s ambitions, the former top 10 draft pick has now been given his chance to consolidate his place in the Magpies best 22.
A consistent performer at VFL level, Williams meanwhile is poised to play a pivotal role in neutralising the impact of Geelong’s elite small forwards, with Allen Christensen and Steven Motlop looming as danger men.
In 21-year old ruckman Witts, who made his debut against St Kilda a fortnight ago, Collingwood will enjoy a second ruck option to support Darren Jolly, while enabling star recruit Quinten Lynch to remain an ever-present up forward.
Veteran Alan Didak has been named among the emergencies for the first time this season, listed alongside small forward Ben Sinclair and Irish speedster Mooney.
Collingwood v Geelong
Round Eight
Saturday 18 May
MCG, 7.40pm
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, Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Alan Didak, Ben Sinclair, Caolan Mooney
IN: Ball, Russell, Witts, Williams
OUT: Shaw (suspended), D.Thomas (ankle), Clarke (illness), Mooney (omitted)
Geelong
B: Andew Mackie, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Cameron Guthrie, Harry Taylor, Joel Corey
C: Mitch Duncan, Jimmy Bartel, Steven Motlop
HF: Mathew Stokes, Steve Johnson, Billie Smedts
F: Allen Christensen, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Trent West, Joel Selwood, George Horlin-Smith
Int: Josh Hunt, Jordan Schroder, Cameron Thurlow, Mark Blicavs
Emg: Josh Caddy, Shane Kersten, George Burbury
IN: Joel Corey, Josh Hunt
OUT: James Kelly (suspended), Taylor Hunt
