Collingwood's lineup is set to be boosted by the inclusions of Darcy Moore, Steele Sidebottom, Lachlan Schultz, Scott Pendlebury and Bobby Hill in Friday night's clash with Hawthorn, as the Magpies look to continue their hot form in 2025.
Last week Pendlebury (illness) and Hill (personal) were ruled out late before the Magpies' match against North Melbourne, but the pair will immediately come back into the best 22.
Sidebottom will also return after a week of rest management, while Moore (shoulder) and Schultz (concussion) have recovered from their respective injuries.
McRae confirmed the returning troops on Tuesday.
"(They are) all good to go, and we're excited for that," McRae said on the incoming five.
"We stand here with a great performance on the weekend through the guys coming in, doing the job. But then the excitement is that you wake up in the morning and you see really important magnets come back."
Queried on whether the mass team changes could be costly to maintaining team chemistry, McRae reflected that the notable names would likely make the risk worthwhile.
"That could be a cost, but the reward is that we got experience around some roles that we really, really rate," McRae said.
"We have to coach connection every week, it's not something that we just take for granted."
The Magpies coach also conceded the tough "reality" for those on the fringe, who may have only got a small look into the team before being replaced this week.
Collingwood debuted Will Hayes in Round 11 and also brought in 2024 rookie signing Wil Parker for his sixth AFL appearance, but it's likely those two will make way for the returning cavalry.
"There's a reality and some would know that. Not so much last in, first out, that doesn't work like that, but I think we want to keep rewarding behaviour around here," McRae said.
"Guys are playing really well at VFL level, like Wil Parker has been doing that, and got his chance to show that he's well and capable playing with them.
"Those conversations are always difficult, but again, they're having many of them along the
way."
Hill is likely the forward to replace Hayes, with McRae happy that the livewire forward is making strides after dealing with personal circumstances over the weekend.
"I won't go into the details. He wasn't here yesterday. It was good to see him around the place today and trying well and moving some stuff that you need to move. (It's a) delicate situation, but we're rapt to have him back at the club," the Collingwood coach said.
"He's fit and available to play."
The full line-ups will be announced at 6:20pm on Thursday.
