Collingwood track watch: Ash Johnson and Reef McInnes draw attention from Craig McRae as potential SSP signing makes waves

Craig McRae was a vocal watcher as two Magpie forwards duked it out on Friday as the battle to cover for Dan McStay heats up, with a potential SSP signing in the frame.

Mason Cox at Collingwood training at Wesley College in Glen Waverley. Friday, December 15. 2023. Picture David C rosling

Even an enthusiastic Craig McRae got caught up in the battle to replace Dan McStay as Ash Johnson and Reef McInnes duked it out on Friday morning.

As the Magpies powered through one of their contest sessions at Wesley College, Glen Waverley – where each drill was designed to bring out the competitive instincts of the players – the coach gravitated to a forward-50 drill run by assistant Scott Selwood.

McRae, who returned this week from a study trip in the United States, was in full voice as McInnes and Johnson played side-by-side as attackers and aerial threats, against defenders like Billy Frampton.

One contest from McInnes brought a yell of “absolutely brilliant” from McRae.

The two forwards then played as deep targets with big man Oscar Steene in an expanded attacking drill, where both competed strongly and set up goals.

Meanwhile of a dozen players training with the squad in the hope of landing a spot on the club’s list, Josh Eyre fitted in seamlessly into a midfield role in some drills and has impressed the Pies so far through pre-season.

Eyre was previously on Essendon’s list, and trialled for a spot with St Kilda before the 2023 season.

The Pies push through some running. Picture: David Crosling

Ash Johnson is one Pie looking to replace Dan McStay in Collingwood’ forward line. Picture: Getty Images

The two fringe forwards appear most likely to be given the shot to replace McStay as a deep forward when the season kicks off, after McStay ruptured his ACL last month.

Defender Nathan Murphy joined in the attacking drill and flew into a couple of marking contests as he continues to train despite a lingering decision about his future on the field.

The highlight of that attacking play was a hangar from Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill over Oleg Markov that drew impressed responses from some students watching the session.

Nathan Murphy gets into action. Picture David Crosling

Mason Cox flies high. Picture: David Crosling

Skipper Darcy Moore and newly inducted club life member Jamie Elliott were not on track at Wesley College, with the pair both on their own programs leading into Christmas.

Veteran Scott Pendlebury was also absent after he posted on social media from Byron Bay on Thursday, while ruck Darcy Cameron took part in the entire session after being eased into training in recent weeks.

Brayden Maynard was more active than at previous sessions but largely worked through a hefty running block with Isaac Quaynor and Nathan Kreuger, with Maynard still only marking footballs with one arm after shoulder surgery post-season.

Brayden Maynard was active at training. Picture: David Crosling

Draftee Tew Jiath led his group through a lengthy shuttle run exercise and fellow teen Harry DeMattia looked at home joining in full-ground drills.

McRae finished off the 90-minute session by asking some Wesley students watching on to provide feedback to the players, with the competitiveness of the action noted by the youngsters.