Collingwood will name father-son Will Kelly for his AFL debut on Friday night against Hawthorn.

Kelly, the 194cm son of 1990 premiership player Craig, will play as key forward, placing the position of out-of-form big man Mason Cox in doubt. 

While coach Nathan Buckley wouldn't confirm Cox's spot, he said Pies players were looking forward to playing with the 19-year-old Kelly, who has overcome two years of ankle and hamstring injuries.

"His pre-season was super, moving him forward late last year we think has been a good move and his form has been that consistent that he's warranted his opportunity," Buckley said on Wednesday.

Selected as a defender at pick 29 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Kelly played just four games for the Pies' VFL side in his debut season last year.

His selection could see the Pies field five father-son players should Darcy Moore (son of Peter), Josh Daicos (Peter) and Callum and Tyler Brown (Gavin) all retain their places.