Nicholls has been promoted from the Roosters’ development team and named at full forward after a five-goal haul in a 32-point win against Coburg last week.

The Roosters look likely to make a string of changes for the Victorian Football League clash, naming a 10-man interchange.

Players will be assessed again tonight, coming off a physical bout in tough, muddy conditions at Coburg. The Selkirk Roosters’ AFL affiliate North Melbourne will confirm its selections this afternoon.

The Roosters regain Kangaroos midfielder Brad McKenzie to face the Magpies at Eureka Stadium.

Second-year Rooster Jarryd Graham, a former Rebel, will make his VFL senior debut as 23rd man after a best-on-ground performance in the Roosters’ development league.

As Graham steps up, so does Taylor Garner who has been promoted from the Roosters to make his AFL debut.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott confirmed the 19-year-old’s selection yesterday afternoon.

Garner, the Kangaroos’ number-one draft pick last year, has proved an exciting forward in 11 games for the Roosters this year.

Onballer Nick Rippon and Kangaroos’ rookie defender Max Warren are both sidelined this week with shoulder injuries.

Warren pulled up sore after his first match back from surgery on a broken collarbone.

This leaves the door open for more promotions, including a chance for American AFL rookie Eric Wallace who has been named on the extended senior interchange after 10 matches in the development league.

Collingwood, which sits seventh on the VFL ladder, has pieced together a strong line-up.

Experienced big man Ben Hudson has been named up forward for the Magpies after escaping with a severe reprimand from the VFL tribunal for striking in a clash against Williamstown last week.

Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer will be tough to beat in the midfield with Paul Seedsman offering plenty of run off half-back.

Veteran ruckman Darren Jolly, who was drafted from the Roosters, was ruled out as he struggles to return from a knee injury.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au