![\"AFL](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8bfd660dbdc415ce28cdcd2544d886ed40ed035c.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nDan McStay is another option to play forward for the Magpies, whose key forward Brody Mihocek was sore during the qualifying final against Adelaide, wearing a moon boot afterwards. McStay would come in if Mihocek did not come up or in the less likely event that they drop Cox or Tim Membrey.<\/p>\n
Defender Wil Parker, who performed creditably against the Crows, would be the logical omission from the 22 to make way for Howe, whose leadership and direction is as valued as his marks, spoils and disposals. Roan Steele, as substitute for the Crows final, is also a potential omission, subject to what Collingwood want from their sub.<\/p>\n
Collingwood did not have quick small forward Beau McCreery, tall defender Billy Frampton, Howe or Cox in the round 21 game against the Lions. But the biggest \u201caddition\u201d to that defeated team is the significant improvement in Jordan De Goey\u2019s fitness and form.<\/p>\n
De Goey, who has dramatically found form and fitness over the past two games after a season battling injury, said on Monday that it would be a tough decision on whether to pick Hill this weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not part of coaching staff, but we\u2019re just supporting Bobby day by day. He trained really well the other day, so it\u2019s gonna be a tough decision and up to the coaches, but you know, at the end of the day, we\u2019re just going to support him and make sure he\u2019s at his best.<\/p>\n
Asked about the difficulty Hill faced in overcoming a lengthy lay-off, De Goey said: \u201cObviously super tough, but that\u2019s why you have, you know, we\u2019ve got the medical team and… physical (conditioning) team for that sort of thing, so they\u2019ll decide when he\u2019s ready to rock and roll.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd all Bobby can do is focus on his training and get right for the rest of the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Lions won\u2019t have champion midfielder Lachie Neale (calf strain) for Saturday, but have performed well without the dual Brownlow medallist lately, as Will Ashcroft in particular, has flourished when Neale has missed and Hugh McCluggage\u2019s brilliance and Josh Dunkley\u2019s grit and defensive work has ensured their midfield remains potent, as they were against the Suns last Saturday night.<\/p>\n
State of Origin is back, but one footy state has been snubbed<\/p>\n
Hannah Kennelly<\/p>\n
State of Origin football will return to the AFL calendar for the first time in 27 years.<\/p>\n
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon confirmed on Monday that Western Australia would play Victoria in Perth at Optus Stadium on February 14 next year \u2013 the first State of Origin clash since 1999.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cState football is one of the great traditions of our game, with fans and players alike calling for its return for some time and we are thrilled to see it back,\u201d Dillon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrigin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon years-old rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our very greatest players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loading<\/p>\n