Collingwood coach Craig McRae has dismissed options Tom Mitchell may very well be utilized in a distinct function after the Brownlow medallist was subbed out towards Port Adelaide.
The former Hawthorn and Sydney midfielder has been used sparingly by the Magpies over the last two weeks, after beginning the round-18 conflict with Fremantle because the substitute.
Dashing defender Oleg Markov was introduced into Saturday night time’s match towards Port late within the third quarter for Mitchell because the Magpies chased one other traditional comeback victory.
“I had a good chat to Tom (on Tuesday), I won’t share all the details of the conversation other than that he’s an integral part of what we’re doing,” McRae mentioned on Wednesday.
“The game itself we felt we had to get the ball to the outside and transition. We hadn’t done that for three quarters, so we had to give up a little bit at stoppage to do that.
“Those conversations have been most likely round 5 or 6 gamers, who might we sub.
“Small margins in the end (made) the decision … but we stand by it.
“We received him to the membership (on the finish of final 12 months) to be a primary possession, clearance participant that places stress on if he does not get it. That’s what he is right here to do.”
Collingwood (16-2) sit two games and percentage clear on top of the ladder heading into Friday night’s blockbuster clash with in-form rivals Carlton at the MCG.
Josh Daicos, Bobby Hill and Isaac Quaynor all missed the Magpies’ main training session on Wednesday through illness but the trio are not considered in any doubt to face the Blues.
Under McRae, the Magpies take no risks with colds and viruses, telling players and staff to stay away from the club however minor an illness may appear to be.
“We simply don’t desire them within the constructing, sniffily nostril or a cough – that is simply what we do,” McRae mentioned.
“We belief that they are going to be all OK to play.”
The Magpies’ injury list is vacant except for young midfielder Finlay Macrae, who is sidelined with a broken thumb.
Exciting midfielder Jack Ginnivan has struggled to find his best form this season and has not played at AFL level since round 12.
But Ginnivan was excellent in Collingwood’s VFL victory last weekend, kicking two goals and gathering 29 possessions.
“He’s been coaching at a very excessive customary for most likely a couple of month and hasn’t fairly received the reward on matchday, up till final week,” McRae mentioned.
“He actually performed above VFL stage, seemed like an AFL participant on prime of the bottom and we’re actually happy together with his efficiency.
“We’ll pick a team that we think will win on that day.
“We’re not having an eye fixed on the longer term, we’ll think about this week.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
