Collingwood has officially ruled out forward Jamie Elliot for Sunday's clash with West Coast at Marvel Stadium.
Elliot - who was managed throughout the week due to a sore back - is one of four players exiting the senior side following the enthralling six-point victory over arch-rivals Carlton last week, joining Brody Mihocek (hamstring), Beau McCreery (concussion) and Lachie Schultz (suspension) on the sidelines.
The Pies will also be without star midfield pair Jordan De Goey (groin) and Tom Mitchell (appendix).
Fly has announced that Jamie will miss Sunday’s clash against West Coast through injury ❌ pic.twitter.com/I40K6qFdL4
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 10, 2024
In a forward reshuffle, Pies coach Craig McRae has said defender Jeremy Howe will be swung up forward to assist with the absence of some key personnel.
The quartet of absentees has opened the door for Reef McInnes and Finlay Macrae to come back into the fold, which McRae confirmed on Friday.
"We tried to give Jamie every chance to play, hence why we named him in the squad, but he woke up this morning and he still has a sore back. It didn't settle enough to get him out there so will see how it goes," McRae said.
"Jeremy will play forward.
"We don't have a cast of thousands lining up to play as key forwards for us. His experience is what we want to lean into. He has a lot of class as a forward, he has history there, so we are hopeful he can play a role for us there."
Macrae - who has had a staggered start to 2024 after dominating over the pre-season - won't start as the sub, with the Pies mentor buoyed by what he can do when given a "good opportunity".
"Fin will play; I told Fin yesterday; he will get a good opportunity to play a full game and show what he is capable of," McRae said.
"I think one of the exciting things about Sunday is we're going to play some players that have been craving opportunity. Our team has been pretty rock solid in terms of injuries early in the year. Guys have been playing good footy and not getting a chance.
"We are not bringing in 18-year-old guys just out of school, we are bringing in guys that have had to bide their time and they will get opportunities this weekend."
Collingwood also confirmed that Joe Richards and Jack Bytel will get their chance at senior level, with the latter featuring for St Kilda in the past.
From Wangaratta to the big time! 🖤🤍
After four years playing country football, to being drafted aged 22, Joe Richards will make his AFL debut on Sunday at Marvel Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Mxb3R1ybll
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 10, 2024
Bytel was signed as a pre-season supplemental selection and has had a taste at the AFL level, playing 22 games for the Saints.
The mature-age Richards will also get his first opportunity after stellar form in the VFL as a small forward.
Final teams are announced on Friday at 5 pm (AEST).