Jack Ginnivan, Ash Johnson under cloud as Magpies prepare for Blues

Illness continues to pester the Magpies as they consider how to shape their side in pursuit of a sixth consecutive win.

Jack Ginnivan is racing to overcome an illness in time to face Carlton on Sunday. Picture: Michael Klein

Collingwood is dealing with question marks over the fitness of forwards Jack Ginnivan and Ash Johnson after the pair were both absent from main training on Thursday.

The two Magpies were sent home from the club in the morning with flu-like symptoms as illness continues to frustrate the side.

Key players Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore and Steele Sidebottom have been among a significant portion of the playing group struck down by viruses in recent weeks, but the latter pair were both picked to play after missing the main training session in the weeks they were unwell.

Magpies coach Craig McRae said a decision would be made on Johnson and Ginnivan on Saturday ahead of their blockbuster clash against Carlton at the MCG the next day.

Jack Ginnivan and Ash Johnson both missed the main training session with illness, but a handful of Collingwood players have done the same and played this season. Picture: Michael Klein

“They’ve both sort of got the ‘man flu’ if you like, different arrays of it, we’ll have to wait and see,” McRae said.

“We’ve got a principle now, this time last year everyone got sick, including myself, and I said if you’re sick, you’re not coming in.

“We met them at the door and sent them home … I’m not sure exactly where they sit, we’ll make a decision in the next 24 hours.”

The Pies will meet the Blues for the first time since their round 23 epic last year when they overcame a 25-point final quarter deficit to snatch a one-point win and snuff out Carlton’s finals hopes.

McRae said he had watched the game “a few times” as his side prepared for the Blues’ best on Sunday.

The Blues piled on eight goals to one in a dominant third quarter to push in front before the Magpies adjusted to keep them goalless in the final term.

Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron are set to resume their ruck combination against Carlton on Sunday, Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ve watched it a few times, it was a lot of fun – the crowd noise was incredible. If you watch it as a pure spectator, there was remarkable noise and the affirmation after the game was incredible,” he said.

“I’m going to pay attention to more Carlton in that last 30 seconds because I know what’s coming.”

McRae said ruckman Darcy Cameron could make his return from a medial ligament injury as the sub, with the Magpies yet to decide how to manage the 27-year-old.

Mason Cox’s comprehensive solo ruck performance against the Giants last week would not change the usual split McRae aimed for with the ruck duo, he said.

“I would like to think that we get back to what we had a lot of last year, just a balanced approach to it … we’d love to work towards that again,” he said.

“We’ll work through that in match committee and weigh if (Cameron) has done enough work, whether we start with him on the ground … or we may sub him.”

Originally published as Jack Ginnivan, Ash Johnson under cloud as Magpies prepare for Blues