Collingwood will unveil 2025 draftee Angus Anderson for its clash against Fremantle on Friday at Adelaide Oval, while stars Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury will also make their return.
Anderson will return to South Australia and the venue he won the SANFL grand final last year for Sturt, including the best afield in the decider.
The 22-year-old was drafted with Pick 57 last year, and has started his career on strong terms in the black and white.
Anderson gathered 20 disposals, four tackles, four marks and a goal in his VFL Pies debut, and backed up his performance with a 29-disposal outing, accompanied by eight tackles and a goal to earn his AFL debut.
Anderson previously spent time in Sydney's Academy, joining the Swans in 2021 amid the pandemic. He was also added to the contingency list the following season, where he featured seven times in the club's reserves.
He moved to South Australia ahead of 2023, joining Sturt and began making a name for himself, resulting in interest from the Pies.
Anderson will be Collingwood's second debutant of the season, following Oscar Steene (Round 3) to the big time.
The Pies will welcome back Daicos and Pendlebury for the crunch clash after the pair got through Wednesday's main training session.
Daicos was a late out against Brisbane last week with a corked calf, while Pendlebury missed the trip due after managing achilles tightness.
"I don't think we'll manage Nick's minutes," McRae said.
"We might with some others, depending on whether we have injuries on the bench."
