Senior Coach Craig McRae spoke to the media this morning, ahead of Sunday’s Mother’s Day clash against the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium.
Changes to the side
McRae confirmed that Jamie Elliott will miss the clash through injury, while Finlay Macrae and Reef McInnes will come into the team.
“It’s too early to tell on what it looks like (other inclusions), we’ll have Match Committee this afternoon to finalise that but there might be one (debutant), watch this space,” McRae said.
On Jamie Elliott
“We tried to give Jamie every chance to play, that’s why we had him in the squad. He woke up this morning, he’s got a bit of a sore back, it didn’t settle enough to get him out there and we’ll see how it goes from there.
Jeremy Howe’s position
“Jeremy will play forward. We don’t have a cast of thousands lining up to play as key forward for us, his experience will be something we really want to lean into.
Jordan De Goey, Tom Mitchell and Brody Mihocek’s progress
“He (Jordan) did a little bit of running on Monday and then a little bit more today, he’s progressing in the right direction. Hopeful he’ll be available next week, but time will tell.
“He’s had a bit of a rough week, Tom. He spent four of five days in hospital with appendicitis, and luckily didn’t have to have it (appendix) removed. He only got out of hospital the other day and back into work now. He’s settling well, it’s just a matter of getting some work into his body, so again he could be another one that’s available next week.
“He (Brody) won’t play next week, he might be touch and go for the week after. We’ve got six-day breaks coming, so he’ll just have to work his way through that.
Coming up against the Eagles and Nick Daicos playing against Harley Reid
“Their last month they’ve been in some really great form. Beating Freo over there is a really big scalp and arguably could’ve beaten the Bombers last week. Their clearance and contest work is really strong, best contested team in the comp right now. There are no easy games in this competition.
“He’s (Nick) a very competitive guy and I’m sure Harley is the same. I’m certain they’ll find themselves playing on each other at some stage and it will be a must see. So, if you’re not doing anything on Sunday, tune in a one o’clock and see two of the best young players in the competition.
Finlay Macrae’s return
“Fin will play. I told Fin yesterday, he’ll get a good opportunity to play a full game and go show what he’s capable of. I think one of thing that’s going to present to us is that we’re going to play some players that have been craving opportunity.
