Important Collingwood duo Tom Mitchell and Brayden Maynard have been declared sure starters in opposition to Gold Coast on Saturday because the Magpie military travels north in unprecedented numbers.
Pies coach Craig McRae says there are not any lingering considerations over the skilled pair regardless of harm complaints earlier within the week as his aspect prepares for a sellout conflict at Heritage Bank Arena, the primary for a Suns dwelling recreation since 2014.
Mitchell educated frivolously throughout the week resulting from neck soreness after an accident within the gymnasium, whereas Maynard completed the Magpies’ thrilling win over Adelaide on the bench after hurting his shoulder in a heavy collision throughout the last phases.
McRae mentioned each can be match to play, whereas he additionally confirmed the return of key place recruit Dan McStay from a finger harm by way of the VFL this weekend following 10 weeks on the sidelines.
“(Mitchell) sort of just jagged his neck in the gym … it’s one of those things where it’s stiffened up a little bit, but he’s out there and he’s fine – we’ll declare him fit,” McRae mentioned.
“(Maynard) has trained all week and we’re confident he’s 100 per cent fit.
“Dan’s on track to play some minutes in the VFL this week … he’ll definitely be available for AFL next week if he gets through the game.”
McStay remained a “critical” a part of McRae’s plans for the ahead half, the coach mentioned.
“It’s good to have the thought of him coming closer to the team and then getting chemistry and system,” he mentioned.
“We’ve always seen Dan as a critical part of what we’re doing … he’s been out for a significant part of the year.
“For that whole mix, it’s just a work in progress – we’re here to try to find our best version and keep improving because the whole competition is chasing us and we’re here to be the best version we can.”
McRae had a “really mature conversation” with omitted ahead Ash Johnson, who he mentioned wanted to string collectively some kind at VFL degree however had no evident points to work on.
He praised the continued affect of Collingwood followers, with the membership’s success and the timing of college holidays creating the proper circumstances for what’s anticipated to be a file crowd on the venue fuelled by travelling supporters.
“It’s an away game against Gold Coast and we’ve got 3000 people here (at the captain’s run in Melbourne),” McRae mentioned.
“We don’t lose sight of it, our fans are incredible … I didn’t mention enough after the game on the weekend how important they are for our results.”
Source: www.news.com.au
