Bolton steps in for Pies
EX-BLUES COACH TAKES REINS AMID MCRAE ABSENCE
FORMER Carlton coach Brendon Bolton is back in the hot seat, taking charge of the Magpies as Craig McRae takes a break.
McRae was absent from training at Olympic Park on Monday as he recovers from minor surgery last week.
Bolton and fellow assistant coach Justin Leppitsch are taking the reins in his absence.
“Craig had surgery last week on a sinus-related condition which he’s had since his playing days,” Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said. “He will return to the club later this week and in the meantime Brendon Bolton and Justin Leppitsch are taking care of the program.”
The Magpies are holding an intra-club match on Friday night, ahead of an unofficial practice match against Carlton on February 24.
NICK EVERYWHERE
The intrigue over where Nick Daicos will play this year continues as pre-season practice matches fast approach.
The 2022 AFL Rising Star winner spent time training with both the midfielders and defenders on the track on Monday morning.
During some limited match simulation, he was used as the “money kick” going inside 50, given his silky foot skills.
Daicos played mainly in defence on debut last season and averaged 25.8 disposals.
However, it is widely expected he will spend more time up the ground this year.
NEAR FULL STRENGTH
While some clubs are dealing with some significant injury issues heading into round 1, the Magpies have close to a full bill of health.
Key forward Nathan Kreuger was away from teammates doing some work on the bike on Monday as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.
However, captain Darcy Moore (bone infection), ruckman Darcy Cameron (hamstring) and midfielder Finlay Macrae (back) all completed the full session after overcoming their recent issues.
Ruckman-forward Mason Cox appeared to roll his ankle on Monday but returned to complete some running.
Other than Kreuger, Collingwood’s only other longterm injury issue is defender Charlie Dean (foot), who was last week placed on the club’s inactive list.
MARKOV’S AT HOME
Collingwood’s newest recruit was in the thick of things after officially signing last Friday.
Former Richmond and Gold Coast speedster Oleg Markov trained with the Magpies’ defenders on Monday as he looks to put his best foot forward this year.
Markov had been training with Collingwood over the offseason and impressed, before being secured through the Preseason Supplemental Selection Period.