The last time Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom played Brisbane, they tasted grand final victory. Three games later, they’re both out of form, and the coach is weighing up whether to give the veterans a rest.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has backed his veterans to “make amends” for the sluggish start to their premiership defence while admitting he could have done better in giving St Kilda the credit they deserved after the Saints worked out the Magpies’ signature style.
“Caroline, I apologise because that is something I really want to do. I want to be humble and gracious, and if I didn’t give St Kilda enough credit, I should have because that’s a good observation.” Mindful his team has had a busy start to the season, McRae suggested either Pendlebury, still averaging almost 22 disposals per game, or wingman Sidebottom, averaging 16 touches, could be rested, or even used as the substitute.
AFL great Leigh Matthews has questioned Pendlebury’s form, while Jonathan Brown – a triple premiership teammate of McRae’s at Brisbane – speaking on Fox Footy’s“All of a sudden, the game starts to look like it has quickened up for Scott Pendlebury, when for 15 years he has made the game slow down,” Brown said.McRae, however, stressed Pendlebury and 312-gamer Sidebottom were still excelling when it came to their fitness.
Tom Mitchell, another veteran, donned the white guernsey at training, the colour typically given to reserve players, while pressure-forward Harvey Harrison and defender John Noble, also in white, pushed for selection for the Gabba blockbuster.“We have got a huge respect for Brisbane, three games ago we were playing in a grand final against each other. I would like to think there are a lot of good players that are looking to make amends, I am sure,” McRae said.
“Most things in life you have adversity – we are living a bit of that now. I am sure we will be better for it. This is a great challenge, and exciting challenge,” McRae said.“I am not going to change. We like to back people in. We believe in people and give them a chance. We are very honest internally, things need to get busy for a couple; the whole footy world knows that. But we like to be loyal and back people in or go and make amends, or show us what you have got, and believe in people.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AFL teams: Magpie Mitchell ‘managed’, Howe and Macrae inThe selected teams for AFL round one. Richmond and Carlton begin the action on Thursday night. Collingwood have a tough second match against Sydney.
Read more »
Premiership hangover? Why the Pies are flagging in quest for back to backFor the first time since his fledgling days as a Magpie, coach Craig McRae’s magic carpet ride has hit turbulence.
Read more »
Controversial Nick Daicos act in the spotlight as Collingwood coach Craig McRae flags changes7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Craig McRae tells Collingwood fans to 'stay true' ahead of crucial AFL clash against St KildaSitting winless after two rounds, Collingwood faces a tough test against St Kilda to get its first win on the board — and the Magpies coach has a message for the club's fans.
Read more »
McRae knows where Pies need to improve, but Lyon questions if premiers can ‘flick the switch’Craig McRae has spoken about the struggles of the winless premiers, coming as the Saints look set to welcome back a star defender to face the Magpies in a key Thursday night clash at the MCG.
Read more »
McRae knows where Pies need to improve, but Lyon questions if premiers can ‘flick the switch’Craig McRae has spoken about the struggles of the winless premiers, coming as the Saints look set to welcome back a star defender to face the Magpies in a key Thursday night clash at the MCG.
Read more »