Overview

• Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, Scott Pendlebury, and Brodie Mihocek will miss Collingwood's Thursday game against Fremantle, with Mihocek out due to an abdominal strain and the others rested as part of a long-term strategy.
• The decision to rest these players was planned in advance based on the AFL schedule to prioritize fitness and performance over the season.
• Jeremy Howe will return to the squad, while Ed Allan, Lachie Sullivan, and Oleg Markov are in contention for selection, with 19-year-old Charlie West potentially debuting.
• Coach Craig McRae used footage of Fremantle’s training and coach Justin Longmuir’s press conference to prepare his players for a contested and hostile environment at Optus Stadium.
• Despite the changes, Collingwood remains confident in its depth and system, traveling with a full 23-man squad to maintain competitive strength.