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Collingwood turned to forgotten big man Nathan Kruger for the King’s Birthday clash Melbourne.
Kreuger has not played at AFL level since Round 7 last year and this will be just the 10th game of his career.
The 24-year-old was recalled in place of forward Ash Johnson, who was dismissed after completing just four disposals against the Western Bulldogs.
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Kreuger has battled a string of injuries since joining from Geelong in late 2022, adding just seven AFL games to the two he played with the Cats.
Veteran all-rounder Will Hoskin-Elliott also returns, while Will Parker is left out.
The Demons are without three players since last week’s heavy loss to Fremantle with Adam Tomlinson, Shane McAdam and Taj Uvodin all suspended.
Experienced winger Lachie Hunter (calf) is also out with injury, while young key forward Jacob van Rooyen returns for Monday’s match at the MCG after serving a two-match suspension for the hit.
Jack Billings, Bailey Lawrie and Blake Hawes were recalled for Melbourne, who slipped out of the top eight after losing three of their last four games.
Collingwood v Melbourne at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
COLLINGWOOD
in: W. Hoskin-Elliott, N. KreugerReleased: A.Johnson (omitted), W.Parker (omitted)
Last week’s subscription: Will Parker
MELBOURNE
in: J. van Rooyen, J. Billings, B. Laurie, B. HowesReleased: A.Tomlinson (missed), L.Hunter (calf), T.Woewodin (missed), S.McAdam (missed)
Last week’s subscription: Taj Vojvodina
– with AAP
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