Craig McRae has announced Collingwood’s lineup for Sunday’s game against North Melbourne, with 2023 draftee Tew Jiath set to make his AFL debut at Marvel Stadium.
Jiath, drafted by Collingwood with Pick 37 in the National Draft, has impressed in his eight VFL games this year, averaging 15.5 disposals and four marks. The dashing defender, recruited from the Gippsland Power, is making his debut in place of Jack Bytel, who has been omitted. Midfielder Ed Allan and forward Reef McInnes join Bytel as emergencies.
It’s TJ time!
Our dashing half-back Tew Jiath will make his AFL debut against North Melbourne on Sunday 😍 pic.twitter.com/nb26YLWYv4
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) June 14, 2024
The substitute will be selected from the extended bench and named 60 minutes before the game.
Jiath, the younger brother of Hawthorn’s Changkouth Jiath, showcased his talent in the Coates Talent League for the Gippsland Power in 2023. His best VFL performances this year include 20 disposals against Werribee in Round Eight and 19 disposals against Footscray in Round Nine at Marvel Stadium.
His ability to read the ball, intercept, and take the game on with his speed will bolster Collingwood’s backline. Nick Daicos, cleared to play after a shin complaint, and Oleg Markov, who missed Friday’s main training session due to a back issue, have both been named for the game.
This match will also mark Vice-Captain Brayden Maynard’s 200th AFL game. Drafted at Pick 30 in the 2014 National Draft, Maynard debuted in Round 14, 2015, against Hawthorn. His career highlights include a Premiership victory and an All-Australian blazer in 2022, and he has served as acting Captain in Darcy Moore’s absence.
Craig McRae praised Maynard in Friday’s press conference, highlighting his dedication and the respect he commands within the club.
Sunday’s clash at Marvel Stadium is Collingwood’s third game at the venue in 2024 and their first meeting with North Melbourne since Round 11, 2023, where they secured a 35-point victory.
**Lineup:**
– **IN:** Jiath (debut)
– **OUT:** Bytel (omitted)
**Team:**
**B:** Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Charlie Dean
**HB:** Isaac Quaynor, Steele Sidebottom, John Noble
**C:** Will Hoskin-Elliott, Finlay Macrae, Josh Daicos
**HF:** Bobby Hill, Lachie Schultz, Nathan Kreuger
**F:** Beau McCreery, Patrick Lipinski, Jeremy Howe
**R:** Darcy Cameron, Jack Crisp, Nick Daicos
**INT:** Billy Frampton, Tew Jiath, Lachlan Sullivan, Harvey Harrison, Oleg Markov
**EMG:** Edward Allan, Reef McInnes, Jack Bytel
**Match Details:**
– **Date:** Sunday, 16 June
– **Opponent:** North Melbourne
– **Venue:** Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri
– **Time:** 1:00pm (AEST)