Crows pick two to quell Grundy’s influence

Sam Jacobs and admits their selection is purely to quell the influence of Grundy.

“It’s something we haven’t done in the past but we obviously recognise Grundy and his influence on the game,” Pyke said yesterday.

“We just feel like it’s the right blend and mix for this week ... (to) try and nullify the influence of what is probably if not the premier big man in the game, one of the top ones. There’s risk in every decision you make – that’s life, isn’t it.

“But we have got two guys who are in good form that we think can do a good job for us.

“Reality is, both those guys are coming in to play primarily ruck and quell the influence of Brodie Grundy as much as give us an advantage at the stoppage.”

The Crows sit ninth on the ladder and must win their remaining two games to make the finals.

But Pike said that cutthroat finishwasn’tworth dwelling on with his players ahead of hosting the fifth-placed Magpies.

“I don’t really need to talk about it because they’re very aware of the position we’re in,” he said.

“We sit at 10 (wins) and 10 (losses). We have got two mustwin games if we want to play finals – me highlighting it doesn’t necessarily make it more front and centre in their mind.”

Pyke has called up winger Paul Seedsman and dropped Rory Atkins, with O’brien replacing defender Andy Otten, while Jacobs will play his 200th AFL game.

Collingwood have omitted Josh Daicos in favour of John Noble. — Steve Larkin