While Kirby, 18, will certainly relish the opportunity to get a run at AFL level, the honour could cost him the individual accolade of finishing the VFL season as the top goal scorer.

Kirby comes into the Pies side for the injured Ben Reid, having kicked 42 goals for the Magpies in the VFL. That tally has him sitting on top of the VFL goalkickers list, equal with former Brisbane and Hawthorn forward Jordan Lisle.

His inclusion at senior level means he can't add to that tally when the VFL Magpies play Lisle's Port Melbourne on Saturday - potentially handing his rival the award.

Whatever the outcome, Collingwood believe Kirby will develop into an AFL talent. "Kayle arrived at Collingwood as a player with a lot of pure talent," Collingwood football boss Geoff Walsh said.

"He has since worked tremendously hard to embrace the demands of the professional game and his form in the VFL ... has been strong, consistent and often exciting.

"Tomorrow will be reward for a lot of hard work from Kayle."

Kirby will play alongside Collingwood's other two debutants for the season - father-son recruits Callum Brown and Josh Daicos - in a young Magpies line-up.

Tyson Goldsack and Brodie Grundy are also ins for the Magpies while the Demons will welcome back Christian Salem and Jack Watts.

Jobe Watson's place in Essendon's side to play Fremantle on Sunday has been assured. He comes into the side with Travis Colyer, replacing Josh Green (foot) and Craig Biard (omitted).

The Dockers have made five changes with Lachie Neale, Shane Kersten, Jonathon Griffin, Tommy Sheridan and Sam Collins replacing Sean Darcy (suspension), Griffin Logue, Ryan Nyhuis, Joshua Deluca and Cam McCarthy (all omitted).

Richmond is unchanged for its crucial clash with St Kilda the MCG on Sunday while the Saints have welcomed back Jack Lonie. Veteran Sam Gilbert (abdominal strain) has made way for Lonie, and with no contract for 2018 it is unclear whether Gilbert will be seen for the Saints again.

Mark LeCras is back for West Coast's do-or-die match with Adelaide, replacing the omitted Josh Hill while the Crows have withdrawn Daniel Talia (ankle), captain Taylor Walker (toe) and Hugh Greenwood (omitted) for the match.

West Coast need to win to have any chance on playing finals.

with AAP