Robertson, who won the Bombers’ senior best and fairest award last season, has had a tour of the Magpies’ facilities at the Holden Centre and will commence training with the club later this month.

The 21-year-old said a connection to Collingwood had developed through Bombers recruit Daniel Pelchen, who works for the club and mentioned his name to Magpies recruiters.

“There’s no guarantees, but I’ll just go down, try my hardest and hopefully get a spot,” Robertson said.

Robertson admitted it was a surprise to be noticed and given an opportunity at Collingwood.

“I could barely get a kick two years ago so it’s pretty good,” he said.

“I was playing forward line and couldn’t get a touch really and then last year I swung into the back line and have probably had my best two seasons.”

Robertson will have his first training run with the Magpies next Wednesday and will continue in hope of securing a spot on the list for next season.

The key position backman had a standout season for Buninyong in 2017, with a string of impressive displays in the heart of defence.

He was named among the Bombers’ best players 14 times from his 19 senior appearances.

Robertson is a former Ararat junior footballer, who joined Buninyong and won the under-17.5 Central Highlands Football League best and fairest award in 2013.

Robertson lives with Joel Ottavi, who left Buninyong last season after being recruited by Essendon’s VFL side.

Ottavi is still with Essendon and is expected to declare Buninyong his home club in 2018.