Collingwood is set to regain premiership heroes Bobby Hill and Jordan De Goey for Saturday's clash against Brisbane at the MCG.
The pair have missed large chunks of the season, but after a return game in the VFL last week, they have impressed coach Craig McRae enough.
Hill returns after missing five of the past six weeks due to personal reasons.
Throughout that period, the 2023 Norm Smith medallist spent time away from the club, and was unable to train, which played a role in his delayed return.
Bobby is back! 💫
Our 23 will play his first game at AFL level since Round 15 this Saturday night against Brisbane. The small forward impressed with three goals in the VFL last weekend.
More: https://t.co/4SFzRyNlRN pic.twitter.com/r8Zj4Sm0U6
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 31, 2025
Upon returning to the AIA Centre and a strong training block, McRae, who remained tight-lipped during Wednesday's press conference, was excited by the prospect of his return to the big stage.
"He's moving around really well," McRae said of Hill.
"We're pleased he got through 70 per cent of the game, as planned in Frankston... he trained really well.
"I think, in the ideal world, Bobby will need a little bit more (VFL game time), but we'll weigh it up this week.
"He's excited to be back playing footy, and today he trained exceptionally well."
De Goey's return comes as the Pies start ramping up their preparations for September, and will be a welcome inclusion to the senior side.
The match-winner has had a troublesome 18 months, resulting in 18 games due to debilitating groin, Achilles and abdomen injuries.
For the first time since Round 8, Jordan De Goey will play at AFL level! 👑
The 2023 Premiership player makes his return from injury this Saturday night against Brisbane.
More: https://t.co/uozZKoHc0J pic.twitter.com/DEs8sIShm2
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 31, 2025
De Goey has featured five times for Collingwood in 2025, and has been treated cautiously in the lead-up to the finals, given his significance to the side.
It will be his first game since Round 8.
The damaging pair will be joined by veteran Scott Pendlebury, who was withdrawn from the Richmond battle due to a corky.
Key defender Billy Frampton also poses as another inclusion to McRae's side after overcoming a calf injury.
Frampton played alongside Hill and De Goey in the reserves last week and could be brought in to tackle Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris.
The only confirmed out from last week's senior side is Lachie Sullivan, who went down with a season-ending PCL injury.
