Collingwood’s VFL coach, Craig Black says the group are excited to finally kick off their season this Saturday.
“We’ve got so many young players come in through the draft this year so for them to play for four points after our four practice games, it’s been a long lead in definitely excited to go in there and have a crack,” Black told collingwoodfc.com.au at the VFL Captains Day on Monday.
Collingwood will be one of 22 teams across Victoria, NSW and Queensland and will be played across 19 rounds.
With the new format of league this season, Black says the focus is purely on player development and preparation for AFL level.
“The idea is we are trying to prepare them as well as we can so if they get an opportunity to go up and play senior footy at AFL level they can contribute. We’re hoping they’re ready,” Black said.
“Winning is a byproduct of development. Our number role is to develop players for AFL footy. The more we can develop them, the better we’ll be.”
All of the 2020 draftees have already showed exciting signs of what’s to come during the pre-season period.
“Finlay Macrae’s been really good, Reef has been injured so he’s played the last couple of weeks now, Caleb Poulter, out on a wing, so all of them have shown glimpses throughout the pre-season. It’s exciting for them to get out there and have a crack,” Black said.
“(Jack) showed really good composure around the ball. He’s probably watched a lot of AFL footy, watching his brother, he seems really composed when he’s got the footy and he can get it, and he’s been using it really well.”
Black started with the Magpies in a development role in 2018 while also coaching the Dandenong Stingrays. `He was elevated into the Pies’ VFL senior coaching role late last year, taking the reins from Garry Hocking.
“It’s exciting to get started as a group. We’re a really close coaching group with Scott Selwood, Damien Carroll and Ash Close and we work really closely with the AFL coaches.
“We’re really excited for the opportunity to go out there and coach these young players with eight draftees. It’s really good for the club.”
Collingwood will begin its VFL season this Saturday 17th April facing Werribee, 2.30pm at Avalon Airport Oval.
