Team Selection: Young midfielder in, veteran defender returns as Pies prime for Friday night

Craig McRae has confirmed the returns of young midfielder Finlay Macrae and veteran defender Jeremy Howe to Collingwood’s side for Friday night’s blockbuster clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.

With the ink still drying on a one-year contract extension with the Club, Macrae comes into the side after a dominant pre-season that saw him collect 10 disposals from just 36 per cent game time in Collingwood’s hit-out against Richmond.

In his three seasons with the Magpies thus far, Macrae has played 12 games and averaged 11.3 disposals at AFL level, including being named as the substitute in Round 24, 2003. In the VFL the 22-year-old has played 38 games, averaging 24.5 disposals and 5.6 tackles a game.

Coach Craig McRae highlighted in yesterday’s press conference how it would be ‘hard not to’ pick Macrae in Friday night’s side, a statement that has now been endorsed.

Howe returns to the side after missing last week’s Opening Round Clash against the GIANTS with a calf complaint.

Marking his ninth season at Collingwood and 14^th at AFL level, Howe will play career game 233 on Friday night. Across an injury interrupted 2023, Howe played 14 games averaging six marks, 3.1 contested possessions and 41 rebound 50s.

Tom Mitchell and John Noble are the two players from last week’s Opening Round side to make way for Macrae and Howe.

Mitchell will be managed, while Noble has been omitted.

The tactical substitution will be named 60 minutes prior to the first bounce and will be selected from the extended bench.

Friday night’s clash will be a celebration of the Magpie Army as the 2023 Premiership Flag is unfurled before the game. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early with gates open from 5.30pm. The Welcome to Country will be held at 6:16pm, and the Flag unfurling ceremony to commence at 6:24pm.

For all the details on what’s happening before the clash at the AIA Vitality Centre and the MCG, visit the Magpie Army Hub.