Collingwood’s McRae on forward mix, defender’s best game yet and McStay 200th

Collingwood coach Craig McRae expects an improved performance from key forwards Daniel McStay, Tim Membrey and Jack Buller this Saturday.

In a tough and low-scoring Opening Round encounter with St Kilda, McRae said his towering talls struggled to make an impact in slippery conditions.

"I didn't think it was a great day for our keys," he said.

"Us and probably St Kilda's too didn't have a great influence in the game. It was a bit dewy or a bit slippery on the ball; double clunks on the ball.

"When you are taking 147 uncontested marks that means the forwards are like windscreen wipers going back and forth down the ground and so they didn't get to too many contests. I think this game will be different. Our keys are going to have that real aerial power, Adelaide really represent that in defence and offence."

McStay will play his 200th game this weekend in a mouth-watering clash against Adelaide at the MCG.

The 30-year-old swingman played 161 games for Brisbane before joining the Pies as a free agent in late 2022.

After a slew of injury troubles, McRae said he is hoping the AFL world will see the best of McStay in 2026.

"Dan is quite a shy and unassuming guy, and I am keen on celebrating all the milestones, and he has come to me early in the week and says he doesn't want that," he said.

"There is only a low percentage of players in AFL history who have played 200 games, so we want to make sure we acknowledge that. Dan has had his troubles in terms of his injuries. He has had a bit of a bumpy road with us, but hopefully, this is the year where we see the best of him."

Collingwood's backline did their duty against St Kilda, restricting the Saints to nine goals from 63 entries, however, McRae said he would like his defenders to not be under-siege week-in, week-out.

"It was too many (entries) wasn't it," he said.

"It would be a concern if it was a pattern of behaviour.  

"We lost a little bit too much territory at times and our backs really stood up. I think over the last 12-18 months we have seen our backline be able to stack up when the odds are against them."

Half-back Dan Houston arguably had his best game yet in black and white as he collected 28 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency to go along with 629m gained.

McRae said the plan from the outset was to get the ball in Houston's hands.

"It was a clear instruction that Dan takes all the kick-ins, give him the ball, let's get the ball in his hands," he said. "He is such a weapon and probably the best kick in our team and we have a lot of great kicks, he is probably line-ball with Nick (Daicos) I would say."