Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek will finally make his AFL debut this weekend after a seven-year quest

MATURE-AGE recruit Brody Mihocek’s seven-year quest to play AFL football will finally be realised on Sunday when the 25-year-old runs out for Collingwood. But it won’t be in his preferred position.

Brody Mihocek will debut for Collingwood this week. Picture: Michael Klein

MATURE-AGE recruit Brody Mihocek’s seven-year quest to play in the AFL will be realised when the 25-year-old runs out for Collingwood against Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday.

But it will be as a forward instead of his customary role in defence where he will line up for the Magpies.

Coach Nathan Buckley relayed news of Mihocek’s debut at training on Thursday morning, with the roar of approval highlighting his popularity.

“Brody has played both forward and back through his long VFL career,” Buckley said.

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“He may have been wondering if he would ever get on a list, but he’s been a really good story for us. He’ll play forward (this week). He’s played there the last couple of weeks and looked really good.

“I said to the boys, the chances of him playing a senior game were at a certain level and the chances of him playing a senior game as a forward in his first game were probably going to be pretty slim, but that’s exactly what he’s going to be.”

Brody Mihocek is told he will debut. Picture: Michael Klein

The 192cm Mihocek was a highly rated TAC Cup defender in 2011, but wasn’t drafted. He was lost to the system for several years before re-emerging with Werribee and Port Melbourne in the VFL.

His strong season in defence last year with premier Port Melbourne and 20 disposals in the grand final win against Richmond led to the Magpies adding him to their rookie list in November.

He is Collingwood’s fourth debutant this season, following Jaidyn Stephenson, Sam Murray and Flynn Appleby.

Along with Mihocek, Collingwood named Daniel Wells and Brayden Maynard on their extended bench. Ben Reid (leg), Travis Varcoe (hamstring) and Jeremy Howe (knee soreness) are out.

Buckley suggested Jordan De Goey could play on Fremantle star Nat Fyfe.

“Jordy’s got a bit of time through the midfield last week as well and there is a bigger body that we can use,” he said.

“Tay Adams wasn’t around earlier in the season for us as well and, while not a brute in regards to his height, he’s a very strong player.”

Former Docker Chris Mayne will play against his old club for the first time, his recent form on the wing the best in his short time with the Pies.

“Mayney was probably pigeonholed a little bit by us, and I suppose through his career, as a pressure forward,” Buckley said. “His body shape’s a little bit different to what it was at Freo. He’s shown pace this year and a bit more explosiveness out of the contest.”

Buckley said the Magpies’ 6-4 start meant there was a very different feel this year.

“There’s probably a 5 or 10 per cent shift in personnel, but the environment feels like it’s very different,” he said.

“Winning helps. Performance helps. A little bit of clear air doesn’t hurt as well.”

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