GIN BATTLES BUG, ELLIOTT SHOCK BID
COLLINGWOOD livewire Jack Ginnivan is in doubt for Friday night’s clash with the Bulldogs, but forward Jamie Elliott is on the verge of a shock early return from shoulder surgery.
A gastro bug continues to rip through the Magpies, with Ginnivan and Beau Mccreery both absent from training on Wednesday.
Jordan De Goey and Will Hoskin-elliott missed training last week with a similar bug but were able to play in last weekend’s loss to Richmond.
Coach Craig Mcrae said the club was hopeful Ginnivan and
Mccreery would both be available for Friday night.
“Jack and Beau are both sick,” he said.
“A bit of carry-over again from last week so it’s gone through the place three weeks in a row and it’s unfortunate, but just like the last couple of weeks we’ll just manage those guys right up until game time.
“Hopefully 24 hours like the last couple of weeks will make a big difference to these guys.”
Elliott took part in his first main training session since shoulder surgery.
The club originally thought he would not be back until July, although he is firming to be available for next weekend’s clash with Fremantle in Perth.
“It’s his first main session so it’s a massive step forward for him,” Mcrae said. “Hopefully next week he’ll be able to put his name up and we’ll see where that sits.”
Defender Darcy Moore was criticised for his performance in the 27-point loss to the Tigers, in which
his opponent Tom Lynch finished with six goals and 25 disposals.
Mcrae said Moore would go to Bulldogs forward
Aaron Naughton on Friday and backed him to respond this week.
“I think Lynch had one goal and seven possessions in the second half, so I think the adjustments he (Moore) made in game certainly worked,” Mcrae said.