New Magpie John Noble is ready to make his mark after overcoming medical setbacks

New Collingwood speedster John Noble has had to overcome numerous medical hurdles to become an AFL player, which they started the day he and his twin brother were born.

New Collingwood speedster John Noble has had to overcome numerous medical hurdles in his journey on to the Pies’ list.

The Magpies were thrilled to land in the midseason draft the West Adelaide wingman, whose explosive speed and endurance is likely to see him challenge Steele Sidebottom and Tom Phillips in the running stakes.

Noble, 22, has had to overcome several challenges in his childhood including some breathing difficulties after he and his twin brother Mark were born prematurely.

New Magpie John Noble was born premature with his twin brother Mark.

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But the late-blooming midfielder has excelled this season in the SANFL and could challenge for a senior Collingwood berth, according to recruiting manager Derek Hine.

“John is a boy who has had to bide his time and he has had a few setbacks along the way,” Hine said.

“But his body of work, particularly over the last 12-18 months has been really outstanding.

“He is one of the few players, particularly in this draft who has real speed and endurance combination which is going to put real pressure on our list in a whole range of areas.”

Noble had 24 disposals and was one of SA’s best players in a recent representative game against Western Australia.