Collingwood coach Craig McRae is aware of his AFL ladder leaders can attain even larger heights.
Explosive midfielder Jordan De Goey, the second-year coach says, is the person to take them there.
“I loved Jordy’s game,” McRae stated after Sunday’s 65-point belting of GWS.
“I said to him after the game it was just exceptional decision-making.
“He’s not the cream on the cake however he can take us to a different stage when he is at his greatest.
“We saw major parts of that today.”
De Goey had an enormous say when the sport was on the road earlier than half-time and completed with 31 disposals, 10 rating involvements, seven clearances and a aim.
But he nonetheless wasn’t essentially the most influential participant on the bottom, with that honour falling to Mason Cox.
The 211cm ruck-forward starred in his second sport again from a lacerated spleen, dominating the aerial battle towards Matt Flynn.
Ash Johnson has served as a succesful back-up within the ruck, leaving McRae with a variety headache as he tries to reintegrate No.1 tap-man Darcy Cameron.
Cameron, who has missed six weeks with a knee harm, is about to place his hand up for a comeback within the big conflict with Carlton in spherical 10.
“Darcy’s going to be available for selection and we’ll just have to weigh up what that looks like, but it’s pleasing,” McRae stated.
“Ash Johnson had moments in the ruck today and against Brisbane really stood out in the aerial contest. He’s really found another level.
“Through circumstance, different guys have been given alternatives and that is given us flexibility.”
Nathan Kreuger (ribs) is also in the mix to return, while key defender and part-time ruckman Billy Frampton (groin) is another week or two away.
Cox’s best performance since the 2018 preliminary final was the highlight of Collingwood’s fifth-straight win as the thrashing of GWS sent the Magpies a game clear atop the ladder.
The American cult figure lifted the crowd with a series of contested marks and two goals, including a bomb from 50 metres that brought out some of his trademark swagger in a finger-wagging celebration.
“We know he is at his greatest when he is bringing that, and when the chants from the group are ‘U-S-A’ you realize he is on the high of his sport,” McRae stated.
“We’re fairly quick … and to have somebody that is having an aerial presence is a vital a part of the sport.
“As finals come, if you’re lucky enough to make it that far, everything’s a bit more of a contest.
“You’re going need to go down the road extra and for Mason to mark the ball, it is essential for us.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
