COLLINGWOOD will unleash exciting forward Kayle Kirby for his debut against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, with Ben Reid to miss with general soreness.

Kirby was drafted with pick No.50 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.

Despite coming to the club lacking fitness, the 18-year-old has booted 42 goals in his 16 VFL games this season, including three last week against Geelong.

His speed, toughness and high marking should see him become a favourite of Magpies supporters.

"Kayle arrived at Collingwood as a player with a lot of pure talent," Collingwood football boss Geoff Walsh said.

"He has since worked tremendously hard to embrace the demands of the professional game and his form in the VFL ... has been strong, consistent and often exciting.

"Tomorrow will be reward for a lot of hard work from Kayle."

It has been an up-and-down season for Reid. The 28-year-old lined up in 15 matches for the Pies and had to spend time in the VFL after being dropped. He has also been sidelined by a quad injury.

Defender Jackson Ramsey has been added to the emergencies.