New-look Magpies to tackle Geelong
Collingwood have named three mature-aged recruits and a top-10 draft pick for tomorrow night's NAB Challenge opener against Geelong at Simonds Stadium as the transformation of the club's list begins.
Former Sydney pair Jesse White and Tony Armstrong and Taylor Adams (Greater Western Sydney) joined exciting midfielder Nathan Freeman in the squad to play the Cats.
East Fremantle recruit Jonathon Marsh, who was chosen with pick 77, will also play his first game for the Pies and former East Perth youngster Jackson Ramsay is also in the squad. Ramsay broke a wrist in his first year at Collingwood and is yet to debut.
Adams said the new Magpies were looking forward to their opportunity.
"It's the best thing for us," Adams said. "Those guys have had great pre-seasons and we're all in the same boat. We want to get out and play footy."
West Australian Alex Fasolo, ruckman Ben Hudson and Irishman Caolan Mooney were named in the 29-man squad but have already been ruled out.
Brownlow medallist Dane Swan, key-position players Nathan Brown and Ben Reid, defender Alan Toovey and Jarryd Blair are the main players not selected.
The Cats didn't select captain Joel Selwood (foot), Steven Motlop (knee) or Allen Christensen (hip) but key forward Tom Hawkins has been chosen.
WA's Jarrod Jansen was the only draftee picked in the squad.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley overhauled the club's list at the end of 2013. Experienced stars Heath Shaw, Alan Didak, Ben Johnson, Darren Jolly, Andrew Krakouer, Dale Thomas and Jordan Russell are no longer at the club as the Magpies turned to youth.
Adams moved to Collingwood after 31 games for the Giants and said moving to an established and high-profile club had given him a different outlook.
"There is obviously more depth at Collingwood. It's definitely a lot harder to get a game at Collingwood because the midfield depth is pretty elite," Adams said.
"It is obviously a lot different. It's a great opportunity to learn from older, more senior guys."
· SQUADS *P71
