Collingwood coach Craig McRae would love the choice to replenish his ruck shares however concedes he should get inventive in a giant to quell Brisbane star Oscar McInerney’s affect.
The Magpies are coping with a personnel disaster after Darcy Cameron (knee) joined fellow rucks Mason Cox (haematoma) and Aiden Begg (again) on the sidelines.
Nineteen-year-old rookie Oscar Steene just isn’t but prepared for a senior debut, having performed simply two VFL video games.
It leaves McRae weighing up how greatest to deploy utility Ash Johnson, ahead Dan McStay and defender Billy Frampton, with skilled ruck McInerney mendacity in wait on the Gabba on Thursday night time.
Frampton has performed ruck up to now however Collingwood are additionally light-on in defence, with Jeremy Howe (damaged arm) out of motion.
“We’re not going to say one person, we’re just going to have to carry the load,” McRae instructed reporters on Monday.
“I like being creative so we’ll get to match committee and have a look at some options.
“We haven’t got one other key defender to return in and play that function if (Frampton) goes into the ruck, in order that’s why we’d must be a bit inventive.”
McRae reiterated calls for the AFL to introduce a mid-season trade period as a way of clubs filling specific holes in their lists.
“I’m large on that mid-season commerce. I believe it could be nice for the sport, inside the correct parameters,” McRae mentioned.
“It would add one thing for the followers. They’d take pleasure in that.”
Cox is out of action indefinitely and faces more tests in a fortnight, which will give the Magpies a clearer picture of his recovery time line.
The converted American watched most of Monday’s training session from the sidelines and is playing a role in solving Collingwood’s ruck dilemma.
“It’s humorous – it is an American instructing others tips on how to play AFL footy,” McRae mentioned.
“It reveals how far he is come. I bear in mind when he first began, Mason, he had no concept tips on how to play and the principles.
“Now, he’s been fantastic for young Oscar this year with little bits of craft and we’ll definitely tap into that.”
Steene, a 201cm rookie plucked from SANFL membership West Adelaide in February, had seven disposals and 17 hitouts in his second VFL sport over the weekend.
He was outpointed by former AFL ruckman Sam Naismith.
McRae dominated out a Steene debut towards the Lions however has been “rapt” with the teenager’s progress.
“He has come in and really shown what he is capable of,” McRae mentioned.
“We’ve got a player for the future, there’s no doubting that, but I’m not keen to throw people to the wolves.
“I wish to set them as much as succeed so we have simply acquired to verify it is the correct time.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
