AFL: Taylor Adams, Nick Daicos, Brayden Maynard and Reef McInnes miss Collingwood training with the flu

Collingwood is dealing with multiple ill players for the second-straight week ahead of its MCG clash with Richmond and Dustin Martin.

Collingwood young gun Jack Ginnivan is triggering headlines on and off the field. Picture: Getty Images

Four Collingwood footballers are hoping to beat the flu in time to face Richmond at the MCG on Saturday as coach Craig McRae doubles down on the Pies’ strict treatment of Jack Ginnivan.

None of Taylor Adams, Brayden Maynard, Nick Daicos or Reef McInnes was at Collingwood’s main training session on Thursday.

But McRae still plans to have them all in his side, including first-year sensation Daicos, who the rookie coach hinted last week may need a break at some stage

The Magpies selected Jordan De Goey and Will Hoskin-Elliott for last week’s victory over Gold Coast after they battled gastro in the lead-up and did the same with Steele Sidebottom earlier in the season.

“We’ve got the man flu still going. It’s gone through us last week and there’s a little bit of carry-over this week,” McRae said.

Craig McRae still hopes Nick Daicos (pictured) and other under-the-weather Magpies will play against Richmond. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got two or three who’ve still got the flu. It flowed all week, then it tipped over to the weekend.

“Credit to a lot of players – they played unwell and played with great spirits still unwell and, unfortunately, it sort of carried over to early this week as well.”

Much of the external focus on Collingwood this week again centred on bleached-blond livewire Jack Ginnivan, who was hauled in front of the club’s leaders after a post-Anzac Day drinking session.

Ginnivan’s been one of the Pies’ breakout stars this season, kicking 14 goals in six games, but also drew attention for his round 1 celebrations while carrying a GoPro for club content.

“He’s a kid who’s just finding his feet in AFL footy and learning what it takes,” McRae said.

Young forward Jack Ginnivan is keeping coach Craig McRae on his toes. Picture: Getty Images

“We like what he brings to the table. It’s all about education – not just for Jack. We’re learning to be winners and acting like winners as much as we can.”

Asked if it would have been the same if Ginnivan consumed alcohol at home rather than at a pub, a slightly irritated McRae said there were “standards” he expected from his players.

“We’re not going to shy away from trying to create standards and habits, and we want to be winners,” he said.

“If you want to act like a winner, well, that’s the behaviours we want to do.

“And this is not about Jack – this is about our whole group. We’ve been consistent right from when I first stepped in this role that we’re going to act like winners.”

Taylor Adams is racing the clock to be fit for Saturday’s showdown with Richmond, including the returning Dustin Martin. Picture: Getty Images

The Tigers will welcome back triple Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin for this weekend’s match, which will be McRae’s first against his old club since becoming a senior coach.

“You have certain things in place for ‘Dusty’, but clearly he’s an elite player and it’s actually good to see him back, to be honest,” he said.

“(From) my time at Richmond, I really enjoyed coaching with Dusty and you only want the best for players like him and hopefully he’s well.”

There was positive news for two players still recovering from long-term injuries, with Jamie Elliott (shoulder) taking part in some drills and Charlie Dean (foot) cleared to resume running.

Originally published as AFL: Taylor Adams, Nick Daicos, Brayden Maynard and Reef McInnes miss Collingwood training with the flu