On Nick Daicos' debut
Nick will make his AFL debut in round one and while it's obvious he's a talented footballer, Fly spoke to his exceptional character.
"The (weight of) expectation is only external, he's still yet to play an AFL game but we're excited about what he can bring to the table."
"He's an elite decision maker - he just has the ability to see the game that maybe others don't see and his skill execution is really high... they're good attributes."
"(When speaking to the playing group) I talked about Nick the person rather than Nick the football player. Nick the person is just high character, high work rate, really professional and an engaging young man. He makes us a better football club just by being himself and bringing those qualities."
On Pat Lipinski
Our off-season recruit will also play his first game in the black and white.
"He's an outstanding young man as well and he was starved of opportunity."
"He hasn't put a foot wrong and I think everyone here is better for him being in our environment."
On Covid impacts
Two coaches - Bolts and Fraser - will be watching round one from home due to health and safety protocols.
"With Covid around at the moment two of our coaches are going to miss the game."
"Brendan Bolton won't be available, at this stage he's a close contact and Josh Fraser will be out as well.
"We've never played a game without them but they can still prepare from home and our players are well prepared regardless."
On Jordan De Goey
"We are pretty comfortable with where he's at - he's done a power of work and he's done slightly more than he did last year already."
"Maybe he hasn't done as much impact or contact work but he doesn't have to make up ground, physically he's ready to go."
"He is a great guy and maybe people don't see what he offers internally - we all just want him to play well and be the best version of himself."
On his own debut
Friday night will mark Fly's first game as a senior coach and he's stoked about it.
"I'm loving this, I really am.
"I'm not going to lose sight of the fact I'm the 16th coach of Collingwood and the incredible history of this club. I'm going to embrace and enjoy it for every minute I can."
