VFL Head Coach Jarrad McVeigh has named his side to take on Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon. 

The team features eight AFL-listed players, including first-year player Ned Bowman and second-year player Will Green. 

Experienced defenders Ben Paton and Aaron Francis will line up across half-back while youngsters Caiden Cleary and Will Edwards will also feature. 

"Aaron Francis has played a lot of footy for us, he's clearly a very smart player down back and Will Edwards, his first game back last week was strong he only got to play a half but he was a solid down back," McVeigh said. 

"It's nice to have those guys in good form, Caiden Cleary will be back in for us in the midfield, that's a big boost for our VFL guys, he's clearly a very good player for us.

"Ned Bowman will play his first game of the year as well, it's nice to have a few of those guys back in, we've got a few injuries but it's a good opportunity for a few guys as well."

Newly appointed Captain Nick Shipley has also been named in the side and will line up for his 50th VFL game.

"He's really experienced, he runs really hard and he's got good skills," McVeigh said.

"He's got a good balance between understanding our team, our group and how they tick, so it's been great to work with him and see him go about it."

McVeigh said he was expecting a fierce contest against the Pies. 

"First game of the season, I think everyone will be a little bit nervous, obviously we know how their senior footy team plays," McVeigh said.

"They've got some really good numbers down there, they've got a lot of players that we have to be mindful of and their pressure around the footy has always been first class.

"We'll have to bring our pressure as well, they like to play a fast-paced style, so we'll have to defend the ground really well."

VFL Round 1
Collingwood Magpies v Sydney Swans – Victoria Park
12:05pm, Saturday, March 22.

10. Aaron Francis
23. Ned Bowman
25. Ben Paton
28. Will Edwards
31. Indhi Kirk
33. Caiden Cleary
39. Jack Buller
45. Will Green
47. Jack Kluske
51. Matty Lloyd
52. Nic Shipley
53. Angus Hanrahan
54. Pierce Roseby
55. Byron Laws
57. Jordan Endemann
58. Tom Longmire.
60. Koby Grass
61. Max Geddes
62. Harrison Podmore-Taylor
63. Oscar Davis
64. James Tidemann
65. Joe Harrison
66. Willem Smit

Emergency

35. Caleb Mitchell
56. Thomas Hitchens
59. Lachlan Cabor
67. Cooper McLennan
68. Tom Ryan
69. Cameron Este