COLLINGWOOD remains hopeful its first pick in the NAB AFL Draft, Matt Scharenberg, will have the chance to play football towards the end of the season after undergoing major surgery last Thursday.

Magpie coach Nathan Buckley said Scharenberg was resting up with his family in Adelaide after having the sesamoid bones removed from his left and right foot.

He said Scharenberg was in the unusual position of having his feet up in the air post-surgery, just months after being selection at No.6 and before playing a game for Collingwood.

"That is his lot for the next couple of weeks," Buckley said at the club's AGM.

"He'll get back on his feet in about six weeks time and we'll expect him to train and be right to get a crack at it towards the end of the season." 

Scharenberg was a highly rated junior and the Magpies were aware of his foot issues when they drafted him. The 18-year-old will be given time to show his wares.

Fifteen players have made their debut under Buckley in the past two seasons and at least eight new faces will be seen in the Collingwood jumper on Wednesday night when they meet Geelong at Simonds Stadium in the opening game of the NAB Challenge.