Craig McRae, Senior Coach of the Magpies
Collingwood coach Craig McRae emphasizes that Jack Ginnivan, now with Hawthorn, was not overlooked or undervalued by the Magpies ahead of their impending encounter, marking their first meeting since Ginnivan’s trade. Additionally, the team anticipates Finn Maginness to resume his pivotal role in tagging Nick Daicos during their match at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Ginnivan, a premiership forward at 21, recently discussed his departure from Collingwood, expressing disappointment following his exit meeting with McRae last year. Despite Ginnivan’s remarks, McRae clarified that the perception of being unwanted was not accurate, affirming the club’s continued admiration for Ginnivan and asserting his enduring status as a Collingwood player.
Regarding Ginnivan’s sentiments about the lack of outreach from Collingwood personnel prior to his trade, McRae acknowledged the swift nature of the decision and the limited window for communication, citing a brief period of uncertainty. Moreover, McRae jestingly addressed the AFL’s acknowledgment of missed free-kick opportunities for Ginnivan during a previous match against Geelong.
In anticipation of Maginness reprising his tagging role on Daicos, McRae acknowledged the potential challenges of safeguarding Daicos during gameplay, highlighting the need for strategic planning and player awareness. He also noted Daicos’s versatility and the team’s consideration of various tactics to counteract tagging strategies.
As for team updates, veteran wingman Steele Sidebottom returns to the Collingwood lineup in place of Finlay Macrae, while Hawthorn introduces Maginness, Seamus Mitchell, Max Ramsden, and Sam Butler to their roster, replacing injured and omitted players.
