Collingwood’s backline depth could squeeze out Tyson Goldsack

With Jordan Roughead almost certain to make his Collingwood debut, Nathan Buckley will have to make tough choices about his back six and Tyson Goldsack is the player most at risk.

Recruit Jordan Roughead could push Tyson Goldsack out of the Pies’ team. Picture: AAP

Collingwood’s selection squeeze could push fan favourite Tyson Goldsack out of its back six to take on Geelong on Friday night.

Coach Nathan Buckley refused to confirm whether new additional Jordan Roughead would debut against the Pies but lauded his influence at the club.

But he indicated he was likely to be “rewarded” with a debut that only illustrates the depth of Collingwood’s backline.

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Goldsack was one of the stories of the 2018 season, coming back from an ACL rupture to play four finals for the Pies — his only games in the season.

But with Darcy Moore in commanding form and Jeremy Howe an automatic selection, Roughead and Goldsack could be fighting for the same spot.

Brayden Maynard, Tom Langdon, Jack Crisp and Levi Greenwood are automatic starters in the backline for the Pies.

The Pies will select Jordan De Goey (mid-foot sprain) and Jaidyn Stephenson (groin) after both flew through training on Wednesday.

Goldsack could still find a spot on the interchange or even be pushed forward when teams are selected on Thursday night but will have to play strongly this year to find a regular role.

Tyson Goldsack faces a battle to hold on to his spot in Collingwood’s best 22. Picture: Getty Images

Buckley was asked about whether Roughead would debut as well as his impact on the group.

“I can answer the second part of the question. Roughy has been awesome. The character of the bloke and the way he has presented since day one is first class. Really measured, mature, just got his head screwed on right, has been fantastic for the group,” he said.

“And his aerial attributes have been really strong. The feedback from our defenders is they really enjoy having him in that mix because he’s so reliable in the air. He hasn’t put a foot wrong and should be rewarded as a result.”

De Goey will play forward early in the season after missing key training sessions with a foot sprain but always plays well fresh, according to Buckley.

Stephenson has battled with some groin soreness but trained well yesterday and finished his session with some sprints to cap off his preparation.

Buckley said both Moore and Jamie Elliott had completed the full pre-season, thrilled with their progress after injury-interrupted 2018 campaigns.

Dayne Beams will take his place in the Pies midfield for the first time since Round 21, 2014, but Taylor Adams is out for a month or more after finger surgery.

Brayden Sier pulled up sore after the first JLT game and while he is fully fit hasn’t been able to win back his spot as an inside midfielder, highlighting the club’s depth of talent.

“We will have some changes to the team that took the field at the end of last year, and change is inevitable but we still believe the structure of the side is pretty similar,” Buckley said.

“What we have seen in the JLT is pretty much an indication of where our side is going to go and we will put the final touches to our side in the next 24 hours and release it tomorrow.”