Dan McStay returns against Geelong

Key forward Dan McStay will play his first game since September 22 last year when he returns from a knee injury in Saturday’s Round 16 VFL clash against Geelong.

Key forward Dan McStay will play his first game since September 22 last year when he returns from a knee injury in Saturday’s Round 16 VFL clash against Geelong.

The second-year Pie has undertaken a rigorous rehabilitation process since rupturing his ACL last November and is remarkably set to make his return to play inside nine months.

The 29-year-old will pull on the black and white at VFL level for the second time in his career after he also did so once last season, coincidentally also in Round 16.

He’s part of four inclusions for the Saturday afternoon clash at the AIA Vitality Centre – their third game at the venue this season.

Fan favourite Ben Crocker, AFL-listed defender Charlie Dean, and Oakleigh Charger Zane Cochrane all come into the side from last week’s clash with Frankston.

Having turned 18 just yesterday, Cochrane is a damaging midfielder who has played six games at Coates Talent League level this year, including a season-high 34 disposals a fortnight ago against the Western Jets.

Crocker returns after missing last week through illness, while Dean will play his ninth game at VFL this year on Saturday.

The Pies are searching for their third win of the year and come up against a fourth-placed Geelong outfit, who they haven’t lost to since 2019.

Key forward Ash Johnson is coming off the back of a career-high five goals last Sunday against the Dolphins and leads his side with 19 majors for the season.

Lachie Sullivan, Finlay Macrae, and Jack Bytel all impressed through the midfield last week and will continue to gel together as the season goes on.

The game can be streamed live on AFL.com.au from 1pm AEST, while entry is free to Victoria Park.

Saturday 13 July
Collingwood v Geelong
Victoria Park, Wurundjeri
1:05pm (AEST)

IN: McStay, Dean, Crocker, Cochrane
OUT: McInnes (AFL), Eyre (injured), Longmire (injured), Brown