Collingwood coach Craig McRae has confirmed that Nick Daicos will play in Friday night’s clash with Fremantle despite missing last round with a corked calf.
Speaking about Daicos and Scott Pendlebury, McRae told reporters this week: “Nick will play and so will Pendles.
“They did what they needed to do to get through this week. We’ll declare that they’ll both play. I don’t think we’ll manage Nick’s minutes.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir also hinted at some kind of tag for Daicos when he said: “We’ll have plans in place if he plays.”
McRae also spoke about Josh Daicos’ role. He said: “I thought he was outstanding in the first couple of rounds and really important to us.
“Metres gained last week he had 700 or something so those thing are important to his game. I think across the board last week our performance was really down, but Brisbane were amazing.”
The Pies have confirmed mature-age midfielder Angus Anderson, who was pick 57 in last year’s Draft from SANFL club Sturt, will debut on Friday night.
McRae said: “The fans will love his tackling intensity and every time we show some highlights of him at VFL he’s really smashing in and hurting the opposition.
“Contest and clearance stuff is his strength and we’re playing against an opposition that’s number one in the competition for those parts of the game. He’s played really well against Coburg on the weekend and now he gets a chance on the big stage.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss discussed Wade Derksen’s job security, when asked about how they’ll replace Jacob Weitering (concussion).
He said: “Obviously Derksen came in last week, ‘Youngy’ played a bit more in the ruck, we’ll talk about what that splits need to be. ‘Haynesy’ has had a few games under his belt, he’s certainly getting closer to be ready, and there’s a few others in that boat as well.
“‘Saady’ isn’t a tall, but he’s gone back and found a bit of form on the weekend which was good to see. There’s a few guys that are a chance if the opportunity presents itself.”
The Blues produced a selection shock for Thursday’s Gather Round opener with Adelaide with onballer George Hewett omitted.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks on Monday discussed the potential return of Rory Laird and fitness of veteran Taylor Walker.
“They’ve done everything they possibly can,” he said. “Laird is in the same boat. We’ll train, get a good look. They haven’t been able to do the intensity needed to prove they’re 100% ready. But we’re pretty confident.”
Nicks also revealed Darcy Fogarty (back) will miss again and Isaac Cumming had recovered to play following illness.
“Isaac Cumming will be good to go,” Nicks said. “He had a virus, a 24-hour virus. You talk about things that pop-up, he did everything he possibly could, he went out for a pre-game warm up… he felt great, but just couldn’t stay on the ground long enough.”
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Ben Somerford
