Collingwood not yet locked in on line-up for Round 1 clash with Geelong

Picking the perfect team to tackle reigning AFL premiers Geelong on Friday night is something Collingwood’s coach is still wrestling with.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says Geelong coach Chris Scott’s famous selection antics means it would be unwise for the Magpies to react to what the Cats put down on paper. Picture: Steve Bell / Getty Images

Collingwood remains undecided on whether to opt for Nathan Murphy or Adelaide recruit Billy Frampton against Geelong, as mystery surrounds star Geelong Tom Hawkins’ availability for Friday’s opening-round showdown.

But Magpies coach Craig McRae is adamant their selection will not be dictated by who Geelong names ahead of the Friday night clash at the MCG.

McRae says the Magpies’ first choice line-up has mostly been revealed in their pre-season games against Carlton and Hawthorn, but 200cm former Adelaide Crow Frampton and Murphy featured in both fixtures.

”I think most of our practice games give away a bit of a formula,” he said.

“Looking forward on Friday night, I’m not sure exactly what that looks like at the moment.

“There’s no decision made (on Murphy and Frampton yet).”

Billy Frampton at Collingwood training. Picture: Michael Klein.

Knowing his side will be underdogs against the reigning premiers, McRae stole a line from his old coach Leigh Matthews, one his former Brisbane teammate and Cats coach Chris Scott would be aware of.

“Leigh Matthews used to say, ‘If it bleeds, we can kill it’,” McRae said.

“It might be too early to say that but Chris (Scott) might get a laugh at it.

“But we‘re in a position, like they are, where we’re ready to go.

“I‘ve been watching (Geelong) and it’s hard to get a gauge on teams this year but I know when they bounce the ball on Friday night both teams will be ready.”

McRae said Scott’s famous selection antics means it would be unwise for the Magpies to react to what the Cats put down on paper.

“I know Chris; he’s one of the masters of the late withdrawal. He does it nearly every week,” he said.

“We’ll just play what we need, what’s best for our system. Match ups will be match ups and we’ll back our players in.

“We’re pretty comfortable with whichever way that turns.”

Collingwood’s mix of talls in its front half is settled, with Brody Mihocek, Dan McStay and the combination of Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron, the coach says.

“I think we had a system last year where Darcy and Mason were a good mix …. 60 per cent of either in the ruck and a little bit forward, that worked for us, so I think we’ll start where we finished in that regard,” he said.

Jack Ginnivan of the Magpies . (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Magpies are busily preparing goalsneak Jack Ginnivan to be ready to play as soon as his suspension is lifted in round 3.

“We’re pushing Jack really hard to be ready. The hungry kid that we want him to be, I’ve seen him on the track and that’s all we can ask,” McRae said.

Speedy 23-year-old recruit Joe Richards, a schoolteacher from Wangaratta, is also pushing for a fairytale debut at some stage this season.

“He’s a great story for anyone who doesn’t get drafted at 18 or 19. We gave him a chance to come down into a full-time professional environment,” McRae said.

“I’m seeing more and more of what we like about Joe every week he’s here.

“We started him down back and then we moved him into his customary forward role. I think we’ll see the best of him in the coming weeks.”