Collingwood midfielder Sam Swadling will make his AFL debut on Saturday night against Port Adelaide.
The first-year Magpies midfielder has averaged 27 disposals as a consistent force at VFL level this season, held as the carryover emergency for the club's King's Birthday clash against Melbourne and will get his chance in Round 15.
The 19-year-old had 18 disposals and a goal against Footscray in his most recent outing on May 30.
The Western Australian was taken with Pick 37 at last year's AFL National Draft and has impressed with his ball-winning and composure.
"Young exciting kid from WA, really talented young man who played midfield, forward and a bit of everything," McRae said.
"He's capable of doing that. He's got good energy and we're excited to see it."
Leader Brayden Maynard will miss Saturday's clash with Port Adelaide following a dislocated shoulder in the King's Birthday game.
At this stage, the Pies are holding off from surgery in a bid to keep Maynard's season alive.
"He wanted to play (this week), but reality set in that he's got more work to do on that shoulder," McRae said.
"It's a little bit unstable. He said don't count me out for next week, but we'll see how that goes. But he's so important.
"I think he's a week-by-week proposition. Bruzzy is a hard worker, so he'll challenge timelines, so we won't put one on him."
Captain Darcy Moore returned from overseas in a desperate attempt to turn his rotten soft-tissue injury luck around.
Moore was at the club on Tuesday from San Francisco where he underwent an intense training program with world-leading specialists.
"He looks energetic, he's had a good training block, made some good progress, he's running," McRae said.
"Massive gain in terms of belief in his body while he was over there, and comes back energised for doing what's required next."
Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill re-joined his teammates after another stint away from the club as he battles personal issues.
McRae confirmed Hill is a long way from playing football again.
