AFL powerhouse Collingwood will visit the North East next month, with the 2010 premier set to conduct training sessions and school visits on Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22.

The Magpies will also visit nursing homes and hospitals during their visit as part of the AFL’s Community Camp program.

With a new-look Collingwood outfit visiting the region for the first time under rookie coach Nathan Buckley, Wangaratta mayor Roberto Paino said the city was eagerly awaiting the visit.

“Absolutely it’s exciting,” Cr Paino said.

“Collingwood has got a strong following here, as do a number of teams.

“It’s going to be a great time for the enthusiastic local fan base to meet their heroes and it’s going to be a big year for Collingwood with Nathan Buckley taking over as coach.”

Cr Paino was quick to remind football fans that the camp was just the start of an AFL feast in Wangaratta over the next couple of months, with Collingwood’s visit just two weeks before Wangaratta’s NAB Cup game.

St Kilda and Essendon will go head to head in a preseason hitout at the recently upgraded Norm Minns Oval on March 3, with a crowd of about 10,000 people expected to attend.

The showgrounds are undergoing a $3 million upgrade.

“Wangaratta is a big football town and having two of the best regional footy grounds in the state highlights that,” Cr Paino said.

“Obviously this visit coincides with the game between Essendon and St Kilda at the redeveloped showgrounds.

“It’s a big time for AFL football in Wangaratta.”

The camp continues the Pies’ push into the North East, with Collingwood’s VFL side playing against Williamstown at Norm Minns Oval in July last year.