Collingwood will unveil debutant Finlay Macrae this week after an injury blow to vice-captain Taylor Adams, per The Herald Sun.ย
Adams is expected to miss up to 10 weeks after suffering a high-grade medial ligament sprain in Saturday's 30-point loss to the Giants.
Macrae, who was taken at pick 19 in last years draft, impressed in a VFL practice match against the Cats over the weekend and is now expected to take Adams' spot when the Pies head to Perth to take on the Eagles.
The younger brother of Bulldogs star Jack, Macrae had an impressive junior career, averaging 16.9 disposals playing for Vic Metro in seven NAB League Games.
The 19-year-old's debut comes as Pies coach Nathan Buckley flags significant change after the Round 4 loss to the Giants.
Back-up ruckman Darcy Cameron could be recalled to assist Brodie Grundy in the ruck, while Beau McCreery, who debuted as the medical sub in Round 3, is expected to keep his spot.
โLevi Greenwood was really good through the middle, Finlay Macrae was good, our two bigs with Darcy Cameron and Lynchy, up forward they really presentedโฆ Trey kicked a couple, down back Tommy Wilson, so some good signs.โ
Hear from VFL coach Craig Black after Saturday's game. pic.twitter.com/FDRYF8VbKL
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) April 6, 2021
Scans have cleared both Jordan De Goey and Steele Sidebottom of injury after pulling up sore in incidents during Saturday's match, but the duo are expected to play this weekend.
The Pies will also make a decision on Brayden Sier, who was subbed out of Saturday's clash after contracting gastro.
Collingwood high performance boss Kevin White played down Sidebottom's thumb injury, but gave a timeline on Adams' return.
โTaylor Adams had that knee injury, with Brodie Grundy falling across his knee,โ White told The Herald Sun.
โHe has a high-level MCL sprain which will keep him out of action somewhere around that 10-week timeline.
โHe will meet with his surgeon to assess whether he goes under the knife but regardless, he will be looking at around a 10-week return to play time frame.โ
Collingwood will be looking to turn around their 1-3 start to the season against the Eagles, who will be missing Shannon Hurn after the 33-year-old suffered a calf injury in the Round 4 loss to the Saints.
Hurn's absence is a blow for the Eagles, who are already without Elliot Yeo and Luke Shuey.
