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“In many ways,we often pick a team like that – one out,one in,who can play that role. For Bill,it gives us a bit more flexibility,” McRae said.
“If Bill plays back,we can move Howey[Jeremy Howe] forward,and we have shown that card before. And also in the ruck – if we want to play Mason a little bit more forward,we can play Bill in the ruck. So,normally,it is one in,one out,but,in this case,we have some flexibility.”
McStay will be missed. He has four of the Magpies’ 17 goals through the finals so far.
Vice-captain Taylor Adams,who missed the preliminary final because of a hamstring strain,has also been ruled out of the sport’s showcase event. McRae said Adams had not re-injured himself at training on Tuesday,but still knew he wasn’t fully fit.
“Tay had some awareness in his hamstring at training[on Tuesday]. Is it sacrificial,the language you want to use,he doesn’t feel he is quite right to put himself out there. He hasn’t re-strained it,but he just has great body awareness,” McRae said.
“He just feels he is not quite right. We put our love and support around those guys,among others.”
The Magpies are yet to determine who will begin as their substitute. Jack Ginnivan has fulfilled that role twice through the finals. Speedy small defender John Noble is pushing for a recall,while Patrick Lipinski could be under pressure after he struggled to have an impact against the Giants.
“I don’t want to be perfect – let’s have a game plan that is fun to watch.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae
“We are still working through that. We have training[on Thursday],finalising our 22,23,and,we always do,we will announce who our sub is,” McRae said.
McRae said the Magpies would keep McStay and Adams close to the playing group.
“Unfortunately for Dan,that is a story that has played out already. We want him to stay really close. We are not in this position without him. He has had a great finals series. For all the judges who said ‘why did you get McStay?’,you could see now how important he is to our structure,” he said.
McRae said the Magpies had no intention of playing “boring” football against the Lions,and would look to move the ball quickly. McRae had been frustrated with the opening half against the Giants – his team too often kicking long down the line to a contest.
“I don’t want to be perfect – let’s have a game plan that is fun to watch,” he said.
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