Magpies Injury Boost: Moore, Howe and Cameron Return

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has provided key updates on player availability, contract status, and team performance as the Magpies prepare for their upcoming matches.

Player Availability and Injury Updates

Defenders Moore and Howe Return

Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe have recovered from calf injuries and are scheduled to return for Collingwood's match against Greater Western Sydney.

Both defenders were initially ruled out of the season opener against St Kilda due to the same calf issues. Their game time is expected to be managed upon return, as the club has taken a cautious approach to their recovery.

Darcy Cameron Cleared

Forward/ruck Darcy Cameron has been cleared to play against Geelong on Saturday night after passing a fitness test on Thursday morning.

Cameron injured his ankle in the previous match against Hawthorn. Medical examinations found no structural damage to the ankle, and McRae confirmed Cameron will play.

Scott Pendlebury Set for Record Match

Veteran midfielder Scott Pendlebury will return to the lineup after being managed in round eight. The game will be his 433rd AFL match, equalling the AFL games record.

McRae stated that Pendlebury's rest in previous rounds was part of a planned fitness management strategy, not a strategy to schedule the record match against a lower-ranked opponent.

Other Player Updates

• Jeremy Howe will also return after being rested.
• Beau McCreery is available for selection after missing due to general soreness.

Bobby Hill Return Timeline

Bobby Hill is progressing towards a return to AFL football but is not expected to play this weekend.

Hill has played managed minutes in the VFL over the past fortnight, including a three-goal performance against Box Hill. He missed training on Thursday due to illness.

The team anticipates Hill will play a full VFL game on Saturday if he trains on Friday.

McRae stated Hill is not yet ready for AFL selection due to needing to build full-game fitness, though his current fitness level is reportedly better than anticipated.

Hill has been informed by the club that he needs to fully recommit to training before being considered for selection this season, as he has been dealing with personal issues.

Team Performance and Strategy

Clearance Improvement

The Magpies are ranked 18th for centre clearance differential in 2026. In their recent match against Hawthorn, they were beaten 19-5 at centre bounces.

McRae said the team is working to improve clearances, particularly at centre bounces and forward 50 entries.

Scoring and Forward Line

The Magpies have posted fewer than 80 points in both matches this season.

McRae acknowledged issues with connection inside the forward 50 in their last game and stated the team has been working on improving forward-line connection during the bye week.

Player Contract Status

Nick Daicos Commitment

McRae addressed speculation regarding midfielder Nick Daicos's future.

Daicos, aged 23, recently visited Tasmania with his brother Josh and father Peter. The visit coincided with the successful VFL debut of the new AFL entry, the Tasmania Devils.

McRae affirmed that Daicos is contracted to Collingwood until 2029 and is committed to the club.

Trade and Free Agency

McRae stated Collingwood will remain active in trade and free agency, including reported interest in Lachie Neale. He noted his role is to ensure the club is an attractive destination for players.

Coach's Sideline Incident

McRae addressed his sideline exchange with Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy, stating it was personal and that he has a strong relationship with Grundy.