Collingwood coach Craig McRae has taken his gamers “back to school” on top-eight rivals Adelaide in preparation for a extremely anticipated conflict between two of the AFL’s most entertaining groups.
The Magpies have latest classes to lean on, having fought again in a gripping closing quarter to pip their opponents by one level in an Adelaide Oval thriller solely two months in the past.
Matthew Nicks’ Crows have since emerged as a real finals menace, placing McRae on edge forward of Sunday’s conflict on the MCG.
“We’ve gone back to school this week on what we need to do well and what they’re doing well,” McRae stated.
“Their contest is really strong, their pressure’s really strong and they’re one of the best scoring teams in the competition.
“We’ve received to ensure we defend very well … we all know we have got to deliver the most effective model of ourselves.
“They’re youthful, they’re exciting to watch and it’s going to be a great game.”
A artful goal-sneak in his taking part in days with Brisbane, McRae sidestepped questions this week about Adelaide’s poor latest document on the MCG.
But Collingwood have famous the very fact the Crows have misplaced on the well-known venue on their final six visits, in a run that began with the Don Pyke-led 2017 grand closing humiliation by the hands of Richmond.
Adelaide’s most up-to-date MCG look resulted in a seven-goal thumping from Collingwood, in spherical two final season.
The Crows are because of have a uncommon coaching run on the bottom on Saturday earlier than taking up the Pies.
“You won’t get the vibe of a Collingwood-filled stadium but you will get a chance to have a look at the ground and the dimensions and get used to some of that,” Adelaide coach Nicks stated.
“But in the end, it’s an oval. We’ve got to go and have a crack.
“It’s actually the opposition we’re up towards that is our greatest problem.”
Adelaide, who thumped West Coast by 122 points in their most recent outing, have named an unchanged side as they look to solidify their spot in the top eight by posting consecutive victories for the first time since round six.
Collingwood welcome again skilled duo Jeremy Howe and Jamie Elliott from accidents as they search to reclaim high spot from Port Adelaide, who’ve performed an additional recreation and have the bye this week, with victory over the Crows.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
