Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has backed Nathan Kreuger to assist resolve the Magpies’ ruck disaster as they put together for the Anzac Day blockbuster in opposition to Essendon.
Pies coach Craig McRae has needed to get inventive throughout the early phases of the season with Darcy Cameron, Mason Cox, Aiden Begg and Dan McStay all unavailable by way of damage.
Regular defender Billy Frampton was used within the lead ruck position throughout final week’s win over St Kilda and Ash Johnson offered some assist.
Kreuger’s imminent return may present some aid.
The 23-year-old underwent a proper shoulder reconstruction in January and has not performed a senior recreation this season, however returned to motion within the VFL final week.
Kreuger was noticed palming ruck faucets to McRae throughout Wednesday’s coaching session.
Moore declared the versatile ex-Geelong tall able to play in what can be his eighth senior recreation within the second-versus-third conflict with Essendon on the MCG, the place about 90,000 followers are anticipated to be readily available.
“He’s certainly in a position to come in,” Moore stated on Wednesday.
“He’s spent a few months in rehab with his shoulder injury so it always takes a little bit of time to get match practice, but he’s a super-competitive player and he played like it on the weekend at VFL level.
“He’s undoubtedly somebody who will not care what place he is in. If he is requested to return in and play within the ruck, he’ll are available and do his job for certain.”
In comparison to their rivals, Essendon’s tall stocks are relatively healthy despite leading goal-kicker and part-time ruckman Peter Wright being sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips have formed a strong ruck partnership under new coach Brad Scott this season and were crucial in the Bombers’ upset win over Melbourne last week.
“The means they’ve labored in synergy and freed one another as much as go ahead and get on the scoreboard has been large for us,” Essendon vice-captain Andrew McGrath said.
“They’ve given us an alternative choice up ahead and it actually helps with our small forwards with bringing the ball to floor.
“They rarely get out-marked and their competitiveness, both of them, and their willingness to do anything for the team has been a standout.
“They have been two of our greatest on the weekend and we’re hoping they’ve one other actually good recreation in opposition to the Pies.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
