Collingwood coach Craig McRae says concussion protection ruling remains ‘grey’ after failed inquiry

Collingwood Craig McRae says parts of the game remain unclear after the AFL responded to a recent inquiry.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says there is some “grey” area in player protection after its inquiry into a free kick against was knocked back by the AFL.

The Magpies asked for clarification last week after defender Brayden Maynard was penalised for a high tackle on Geelong forward Shaun Mannagh.

McRae felt Mannagh was “leading with his head to force contact” and said it was broadly “something you don’t want to have” in the game.

The premiership coach confirmed on Wednesday his request was fended off by the AFL.

“We did (get a response) and the response was that the free kick was warranted,” McRae said.

“Again, if Brayden (Maynard) didn’t go in for the tackle then that would’ve been a different story.

“Some of the game is grey, isn’t it? We’re all standing here, I’m sure you’re all the same, you want our players protected.

“We want them to have great careers and don’t want them to go through stuff others have had to go through in the past to get us in this position.

“Rule changes and whatever it looks like, better looking after players when they’re injured, I think we all want that.”

Collingwood coach Craig McRae speaks to his players. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Collingwood had three umpires at training on Wednesday adjudicating several match simulation drills.

The Magpies frequently have umpires at training and denied their attendance having anything to do with recent events.

Excluded from those main contact drills was star duo Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore.

Both Moore (shoulder) and De Goey (Achilles) won’t face Adelaide on Saturday but the Magpies will regain Scott Pendlebury, Brody Mihocek and Brayden Maynard.

Moore will be assessed next week while McRae is confident De Goey can get back when the Magpies “need him most”.

“We’ve still got time, we’re playing the long game with Jordy and have said that from the start, we’re not in a hurry,” McRae said.

“Our ambition is to have Jordy fit, firing and ready to go when we need him most.”