Collingwood coach Craig McRae is considering how to best utilize Josh Daicos in the upcoming match against the Fremantle Dockers at the MCG on Sunday. Following an impressive performance as an inside midfielder, where Daicos recorded 16 disposals and two goals in a pivotal final quarter against the Gold Coast Suns, McRae acknowledges that injuries could limit his options for positioning Daicos in this new role.
With key player Dan Houston sidelined due to an abdominal strain, McRae may need to shift Daicos back to defence to address the team’s immediate needs. “Everyone in the footy world will be wondering where he starts this week,” McRae stated. “With Dan out, it will be challenging to keep him out of the back-line for major parts. But I think also we’d be silly not to explore what that (inside midfield option) looks like, whether it’s this week or going forward.”
Daicos’ recent performance has drawn praise, as he nearly led the Magpies to a comeback victory against the Suns. McRae emphasized Daicos’ versatility, saying, “He’s an elite talent in the game and I honestly think you could play him anywhere and he’ll have an impact.” The decision on how to deploy him will hinge on the team’s overall strategy and current roster limitations.
In addition to Daicos, McRae noted that his younger brother, Nick Daicos, who has been a standout performer this season and is considered a favourite for the Brownlow Medal, displayed signs of fatigue during the Gold Coast match. Despite suggestions to rest Nick, he has opted to continue playing. “The facts were he looked sore and the GPS says that,” McRae explained. “It’s hard to keep him out though … it’s a challenge to keep one of the best players off the field but we’re very conscious of his loads.”
The loss to the Suns marked Collingwood’s third defeat of the season, narrowing their lead at the top of the ladder to six competition points. McRae believes this setback has reignited a competitive spirit within the team. “We got served a pretty ugly meal at the start of the game, particularly at halftime without scoring a goal,” he reflected. “It was a little wake-up call … there’s a lot of things in this game that we think will serve us well at another time when needed.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Fremantle, McRae confirmed that several players will return to the lineup, including Beau McCreery (hamstring), Brody Mihocek, and Pat Lipinski, who have all been managed for this match. Unfortunately, veteran defender Jeremy Howe will miss the game due to a groin injury, along with Houston. Bobby Hill is also set to miss his fourth consecutive game as he continues to recover from personal issues and illness.
As the Magpies prepare for this crucial encounter, McRae’s decisions regarding player roles, particularly for Josh Daicos, will be pivotal in shaping the team’s performance against the Dockers. The stakes are high as Collingwood aims to reclaim their momentum and solidify their position at the top of the ladder.
