Collingwood has made two changes to its side ahead of the blockbuster preliminary final against the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the MCG on Saturday.

Ben Reid makes his way back into the side in place of Jordan De Goey (hamstring). It will be Reid's first senior game since round 15.

The 30-year-old has trained strongly over the last four weeks since injuring his hamstring at training. Coach Nathan Buckley has been pleased with his preparation heading into Saturday afternoon's game.

“He’s been in full training for about a month now.” Buckley told reporters on Thursday.

It will be Reid's 150th AFL game for the Magpies.

Defender James Aish returns in place of Levi Greenwood (knee) after overcoming a shoulder injury that has seen him sidelined since round 18.

In what is set to be a fiery encounter, Buckley has backed in his side to stand up to the Giants' aggressive nature.

"Our hardness inside stacks up for itself," Buckley said.

"The way that the Giants have gone about it, I think you've got to be impressed with the steel that they have brought into their game. They were clearly challenged around that four or five weeks ago.

"The niggle stuff is part of the game. You can buy into it if you want, or you can just go and play footy really hard, and that's the way we prefer to go about it."



It will be a do-or-die clash at the colosseum of football that will have 80,000 fans on the edge of their seats. The Magpie Army will be out in force, cheering loud and proud to decorate the 'G black and white.

COLLINGWOOD v GWS GIANTS

AFL FIRST PRELIMINARY FINAL

Saturday, September 21

MCG, 4.35pm AEST

In: Ben Reid, James Aish

Out: Jordan De Goey (hamstring), Levi Greenwood (knee)