Craig McRae has made four changes to Collingwood’s lineup for Friday night’s Round 24 match against Melbourne at the MCG. Emerging Magpies Finlay Macrae, Joe Richards, Charlie Dean, and Ed Allan have all been included in the team for Collingwood’s final home and away game of the 2024 season.

The four players making way are Dan McStay (managed), Billy Frampton (omitted), Jack Bytel (omitted), and Ned Long (omitted).

Frampton and Long join young half-back Jakob Ryan as the three emergencies, with the tactical substitute to be chosen from the extended bench and announced 60 minutes before the first bounce.

This match also marks Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury’s 403rd game at the AFL level, tying him for fourth place in V/AFL games played, alongside Richmond great Kevin Bartlett.

Friday night will see Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom play together for the 305th time, matching Geelong’s Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood for the second most games played together as teammates in V/AFL history.

The four players included in the AFL side have been recalled after impressive performances in the VFL, including last weekend’s eight-point win over Brisbane.

Charlie Dean shone with 17 marks, including 11 intercepts, Finlay Macrae was a key player with 37 disposals and eight clearances, Richards contributed with two goals, and Allan accumulated 27 disposals and six clearances in the Club’s final VFL game of 2024.

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