Collingwood midfielder Reef McInnes will make his AFL debut against Geelong this weekend, becoming the club's second debutant of the season.
The Magpies confirmed on Thursday that the Next Generation Academy graduate will feature at the MCG on Saturday night after a strong VFL performance against Box Hill in the reserves' season opener.
Collingwood senior coach Craig McRae expressed his excitement in being able to blood McInnes into his side for this weekend's clash with the Cats.
"We want to reward behaviours and Reef has been doing a lot right for a long time," McRae said.
"He's been ready (to play AFL) for quite a while.
"Last week watching the VFL he was outstanding and that's a result of his efforts off the field.
"I saw him in the gym every day over summer - he was someone who impressed me on my first day at the club."
McInnes joined Collingwood via the 2020 National Draft as an NGA selection at Pick 23 and has battled an ankle injury throughout his short tenure at Olympic Park.
The talented teenager will follow father-son draftee Nick Daicos in being among Collingwood's AFL debutants for 2022.
