Collingwood has opted not to bring in a recognised ruckman amid its big-man injury crisis, with forward Ash Johnson set to get the first crack in the middle.
Magpies coach Craig McRae had already conceded an AFL debut for 19-year-old ruck prospect Oscar Steene, who struggled in the VFL last weekend, was unlikely and instead the injured Darcy Cameron has been replaced in the side by Reef McInnes.
Johnson has been named amongst the followers with ex-Power swingman Billy Frampton and former Lion Daniel McStay to assist against Brisbane on Thursday night.
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TEAM WHISPERS: Latest on all Round 4 matches
Meanwhile the Lions have gone smaller, not feeling the need to play both Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort given the Magpies’ issues.
Fort has been dropped but more pressingly for Chris Fagan’s side Daniel Rich has not returned after missing the Round 3 loss with a quad issue.
Rich had been flagged as a potential inclusion and was assessed this week but has not been named in the starting squad nor in the emergencies. Jaxon Prior comes into the side.
The squad for the rest of Round 4’s matches will be announced on Thursday evening.
Logue loses bid to have ban overturned | 01:27
AFL ROUND 4 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEST)
BRISBANE LIONS v COLLINGWOOD
Thursday April 6, 7:35pm at the Gabba
LIONS
B: Starcevich, Payne, Joyce
HB: McKenna, Andrews, Wilmot
C: Ashcroft, Bailey, Berry
HF: Cameron, Gunston, McCluggage
F: Zorko, Daniher, Hipwood
FOLL: McInerney, Dunkley, Neale
I/C: McCarthy, Rayner, Coleman, Prior
EMG: Robertson, Cockatoo, Sharp, Fort
IN: Prior
OUT: Fort (omitted), Answerth (sub)
MAGPIES
B: Murphy, Frampton, Maynard
HB: Crisp, Moore, Quaynor
C: Hill, N.Daicos, J.Daicos
HF: Sidebottom, Mihocek, De Goey
F: McCreery, McStay, Elliott
FOLL: Johnson, Mitchell, Adams
I/C: Noble, Pendlebury, McInnes, Hoskin-Elliott
EMG: Wilson, Allan, Macrae, Markov
IN: McInnes
OUT: Cameron (injured), Carmichael (sub)
NORTH MELBOURNE v CARLTON
Friday April 7, 4:20pm at Marvel Stadium
KANGAROOS
TBA Thursday evening
BLUES
TBA Thursday evening
ADELAIDE CROWS v FREMANTLE
Saturday April 8, 1:45pm at Adelaide Oval
CROWS
TBA Thursday evening
DOCKERS
TBA Thursday evening
RICHMOND v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Saturday April 8, 4:35pm at the MCG
TIGERS
TBA Thursday evening
BULLDOGS
TBA Thursday evening
ST KILDA v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday April 8, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium
SAINTS
TBA Thursday evening
SUNS
TBA Thursday evening
SYDNEY SWANS v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday April 8, 7:30pm at the SCG
SWANS
TBA Thursday evening
POWER
TBA Thursday evening
ESSENDON v GWS GIANTS
Sunday April 9, 2:10pm at Marvel Stadium
BOMBERS
TBA Thursday evening
GIANTS
TBA Thursday evening
WEST COAST EAGLES v MELBOURNE
Sunday April 9, 5:20pm at Optus Stadium
EAGLES
TBA Thursday evening
DEMONS
TBA Thursday evening
GEELONG v HAWTHORN
Monday April 10, 3:20pm at the MCG
CATS
TBA Thursday evening
HAWKS
TBA Thursday evening
