Collins told coach Brett Fitzpatrick and the playing group before Wednesday night’s final training session at the QEO.

Collins, who was best afield for the BFNL in last year’s loss to Ballarat, would have been one of the key midfield/forward options for the big game against Hampden in Warrnambool.

The final squad of 24 was announced after training on Wednesday night, with 10 news faces in the group.

In-form Golden Square trio Matt Compston, Jake Thrum and Jayden Burke, Eaglehawk youngsters Jonty Neaves and Jack Fallon, Kyneton duo Rhys Magin and Pat McCarthy, Gisborne young gun Jack Reaper and South Bendigo big man Kieran Strachan were rewarded for their great form at club level.

“We’re very happy with the final team we’ve picked,’’ Fitzpatrick said.

“Having so many new faces in the squad has added some excitement to the group.

“It’s a big challenge to go to Warrnambool and win, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Collins and South Bendigo midfielder Quade Johnstone were the two players left out of the training squad of 26.

Eaglehawk big man Jonty Neaves will be the travelling emergency.

Golden Square’s Jack Geary will captain the BFNL.

BFNL team to play Hampden:

B: Tyler Miles (Eh), Pat McCarthy (Kyn), Jake Thrum (GS)

Hb: Codie Price (Sh), Jack Reaper (Gis), Isaiah Miller (SB)

C: Adam Baird (GS), Jack Geary (GS), Kal Huntly (Cm)

Hf: Ben McPhee (Eh), Jayden Burke (GS), Lee Coghlan (Sh)

F: Hamish Morcom (GS), Lachlan Sharp (SS), Kaiden Antonowicz (SB)

Foll: Kieran Strachan (SB), Rhys Magin (Kyn), Trent Donnan (SS)

Inter: Jonathan Lanyon (KF),, Brodie Collins (Eh), Jack Fallon (Eh), Jake Moorhead (SS), Matt Compston (GS)

Emerg: Jonty Neaves (Eh)