Josh Carmichael is congratulated by Magpies teammates after a goal.Credit:AFL Photos
“Every little moment for him is the best ever. He’s just living in the moment. That’s how he played the last quarter.”
As for the coach himself,he said he had never been involved in a post-siren win. “I haven’t stopped shaking. I haven’t been part of a win like it,” McRae said. “I might go home,have a red wine and watch the replay.”
Essendon’s Harry Jones might have sealed victory with a set shot,but hit the post. From the kick-in,the Magpies overflew the ground to the forward pocket,where Elliott marked as the siren sounded and kicked unerringly,prompting delirium at the MCG.
Collingwood’s ninth win in a row,and their eighth this season by less than two goals,establishes them in the top eight and opens up September vistas. But not for McRae.
“I just want to live in the moment. I don’t get caught up in the ladder predictor. My wife does. Most people do. If you look too far ahead,you get tight. I want us to be free,I want us to play like we did the last quarter. I don’t want us to tighten up. My language will be around that.”
McRae said Collingwood rehearsed close finishes. “We do. I said to the boys at three-quarter-time,we’ve been here before. This is what we do,” McRae said. “Ten minutes to go,three points behind,what to do? We’ve got a method. I just wouldn’t mind not being in that situation!”