Young midfielder Daniel Nicholls has been elevated to the senior list after Collingwood placed injured forward Sean Rusling on the long-term injury list.

Nicholls, a skilful left-footer from the Dandenong Stingrays, was taken by the Magpies with the 18th overall selection in the 2005 Rookie Draft.

The 20-year-old, who stands at 177 centimetres, has enjoyed an excellent pre-season and has been named as an emergency for this Saturday’s round one clash with the Kangaroos at the MCG.

During the early parts of the 2006 season, Nicholls shone playing for Williamstown with his pace, ability to win the football and excellent disposal, suggesting he has what it takes to play at the elite level.

Some injuries in the second-half of 2006 curtailed his progress somewhat, but Nicholls has looked comfortable while playing for the Magpies during the 2006 pre-season cup and regional challenge, and is yet another young player who Magpies supporters can look to as having a very bright future.