Collingwood coach Craig McRae weighs player rest ahead of Brisbane clash

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has expressed concern regarding player management ahead of the Magpies' upcoming match against the Brisbane Lions. While the club will welcome back veterans Jeremy Howe and Steele Sidebottom, Brayden Maynard will remain sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Other unavailable players include Isaac Quaynor, Pat Lipinski, and Harry Perryman.

McRae noted the difficulty of deciding whether to rest key players, such as Nick and Josh Daicos, for the final home-and-away round. The decision is complicated by the current AFL format, where teams ranked seventh to tenth do not receive a week off before finals. McRae admitted to having ‘sleepless nights’ over the various scenarios and the potential judgment from the public regardless of whether the club chooses to rest players.

Despite warnings from AFL boss Greg Swann against mass-resting players, McRae stated the club will focus on what they can control to ensure they maintain momentum heading into the finals series.