Collingwood director of football Rodney Eade says Magpies wary of improved Demons ahead of Round 12 Queens Birthday clash

COLLINGWOOD will enter Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash wary of Melbourne’s improving form after the Demons pushed the ladder leaders last week.

22/11/2011 SPORT: Collingwood training. Gosch's paddock. Director of coaching Rodney Eade Pic. George Salpigtidis

COLLINGWOOD will enter Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash wary of Melbourne’s improving form after the Demons pushed the ladder leaders last week.

Director of football Rodney Eade said on Sunday the Magpies would not make the mistake of underestimating the Demons, who are growing in confidence under coach Paul Roos.

“The way they are playing, they are playing very well,’’ Eade said.

“Last week they pushed the top side (Port Adelaide) really until the last 10 minutes of the game to show that they are playing well.

DEES TO SCRATCH SEVEN-YEAR ITCH

“They have got a definite game plan with the way that they are going about it and they have got a lot of confidence and belief in that.

“But it’s more the way that they are playing and certainly from our point of view we don’t underestimate them.’’

The Magpies have welcomed midfield reinforcements for today’s clash, with Brownlow medallist Dane Swan and veteran Luke Ball back in the side after missing last week’s win over St Kilda.

“Obviously Bally and Swanny will add a bit,’’ Eade said.

Brodie Grundy didn’t play in the VFL on Saturday and could be a late inclusion. Pic: Michael Klein

“They needed the break last week, they were a bit sore, but hopefully they can perform well (today).’’

Second-year ruckman Brodie Grundy has been left out of the Magpies’ line-up, but has been named as an emergency.

“He (Grundy) missed last week and Wittsy (Jarrod Witts) and Jesse White did very well last week,’’ Eade said.

“It’s unfortunate for him, but he’s only a young lad. He’ll have to work hard to get back in.’’

Eade said swingman Ben Reid had pulled up well after his return in the VFL on Saturday after a lengthy lay-off with a calf injury.

“(He’s pulled up) good so far, he got three-and-a-bit quarters,’’ Eade said.

“Unfortunately the ground was really wet and really heavy, they had a downpour probably half and hour before the game and the ground didn’t drain too well.

“But from our point of view we’re pleased he got the game and he looked good, so it was pleasing.’’

Originally published as Collingwood director of football Rodney Eade says Magpies wary of improved Demons ahead of Round 12 Queens Birthday clash