Collingwood star Jordan de Goey doesn’t train ahead of blockbuster Port Adelaide clash

Two days out from the top-of-the-table AFL clash, a Collingwood star has been forced to train on his own after being struck with a virus.

Craig McRae is talking up this week’s AFL blockbuster. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says his team will “step into” the hype of their top-of-the table blockbuster clash with Port Adelaide as the Magpies sweat on the fitness of ill star Jordan De Goey.

McRae expects the explosive midfielder, who was kept away from training on Thursday, having also missed Tuesday’s session, to play in Saturday’s Adelaide Oval clash that will pit the top-placed Magpies against the second-placed Power.

“The latest is he’s viral, so like all our players who are a little bit sick, we just don’t want him in the rooms,” McRae said on Thursday morning.

“He’ll train off-site somewhere today … he’s going to do some work away from the club.

“We’re anticipating he’ll be here tomorrow and travel with us.”

Jordan De Goey is battling illness. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Saturday’s clash has been billed by some as a potential grand final preview given the two teams have put a significant gap on the other teams in the top eight.

The Magpies have won 15 of 17 games, Port Adelaide 14, including 12 in a row, their winning streak ended by Carlton last weekend.

Rather than play it down as just another game, McRae is keen to embrace the hype, with a packed house set to green the visitors.

“Why would you play this game down? This is one of the best games that you‘ll see this year in terms of the opportunity to show what you’re made of,” McRae said.

“We’re going to step into that. It’s a tough draw to go over there and play them at their home ground, but it is what it is.

“You embrace it all and then it’s all about the process. We’re trying to get better every day and this is another opportunity to see how we’re going.”

Collingwood coach Craig McRae can’t wait for the top-of-the-table clash. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Collingwood will also get back ruckman Darcy Cameron and forward Brody Mihocek for the clash against what McRae expects to be a very different team from the one the Magpies smashed by 71 points at the MCG in round 2.

“They’re a proud club, there’s still a lot to play for in the season and they’ll get some key players back,” McRae said.

“A little bit of a sting at this time is not the end of the world.

“We’re anticipating they’re going to bring every bit of their best.”