MAGPIE Ben Reid is a confirmed starter for his first match in almost three months in Saturday's preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.
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There are no late changes, with both teams as selected on Thursday night.
Reid produced some good form as a key forward in Mason Cox's absence earlier in the season before calf and hamstring issues threatened to end his season – and potentially his career.
Instead, the 30-year-old has a big role to play for Collingwood in what will be his first senior appearance since round 15.
Superstar Jordan De Goey's hamstring setback opened a spot in the forward line for Reid, while James Aish returns for his first game since round 18 as Levi Greenwood's replacement.
James Aish is back for the Pies. Picture: AFL Photos
Greenwood ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Pies' qualifying final defeat of Geelong a fortnight ago.
The Giants turned to former Collingwood big man Lachie Keeffe and seven-gamer Ian 'Bobby' Hill as cover for big-name teammates Lachie Whitfield (appendix) and Toby Greene (suspension).
The Magpies are gunning to make their sixth Grand Final since 2002, whereas GWS is trying to qualify for a maiden decider.
Damien Hardwick's Richmond, which came from 21 points behind at half-time to defeat the Cats on Friday night, is waiting for Saturday's winner.
Preliminary final: Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney at the MCG, 4.35pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Collingwood: James Aish, Chris Mayne, Callum Brown, Rupert Wills
Greater Western Sydney: Adam Tomlinson, Harry Himmelberg, Daniel Lloyd, Adam Kennedy
