Collingwood coach Craig McRae expresses concern over Jordan De Goey’s groin injury, describing it as potentially “scary” and emphasizing the need for careful management. This concern arises as Jamie Elliott joins the club’s injury list.
With Brody Mihocek, Beau McCreery, Lachie Schultz, De Goey, and Tom Mitchell unavailable, veteran Jeremy Howe will take on a forward role against West Coast on Sunday due to Elliott’s back soreness.
While McRae mentioned that the club has gained more insight into De Goey’s injury and ruled out osteitis pubis, he emphasized that the 28-year-old’s condition is not yet clear.
McRae stated, “That’s a scary word, OP, but it’s leading towards something if we don’t manage it, it could get as bad as that. It’s not that now, but (we) grab things certainly here and deload a little bit and then see where we go, and early signs are that’s progressed towards that.”
McRae acknowledged that Collingwood is limited in options due to injuries, particularly with Dan McStay still recovering from his ACL injury. Six of the team’s top nine goalkickers from last season are unavailable.
Despite the injury challenges, McRae expressed satisfaction that those who have been eager for an opportunity will have a chance against the Eagles. Fin Macrae and Reef McInnes are among the players included, with mature-aged recruit Joe Richards, 24, set to make his debut after being drafted from Victorian country football in 2022.
“We tried to give Jamie every chance to play, hence why we named him in the squad, but he woke up this morning and he still has a sore back,” McRae explained on Friday morning. “It didn’t settle enough to get him out there so will see how it goes.”
Regarding tactical adjustments, McRae stated, “Jeremy (Howe) will play forward. We don’t have a plethora of options to choose from for key forwards. His experience is what we want to lean into. He has a lot of class as a forward, he has history there, so we are hopeful he can play a role for us there.”
“It’ll be a different combination in the forward line – when you’re missing three or four of your regular forwards from last week, the mix changes, but our approach to moving the ball remains the same. It’s about fulfilling your role within that framework.”
Howe has a history in the forward line, having scored 98 goals in his 240 games, but he has primarily been a key player in defense during his nine seasons at the Magpies.
McRae emphasized the importance of this opportunity for players like 22-year-old Macrae, who has been substituted in or out in rounds one, two, and three of the 2024 season.
“I informed Fin yesterday that he’ll get a significant chance to play a full game and showcase his abilities,” McRae stated.
“One of the exciting aspects of Sunday’s game is that we’re giving opportunities to players who have been eager for their chance. Despite a solid start to the season in terms of injuries, there have been players performing well but not getting their shot. We’re not introducing fresh-faced 18-year-olds straight out of school; these are players who have patiently waited for their moment and they’ll seize their chances this weekend.”
Collingwood currently sits ninth on the AFL ladder with four wins, including a thrilling six-point victory over Carlton last week.