Collingwood Senior Coach Craig McRae spoke to the media ahead of Monday’s tenth annual ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ clash against Melbourne.

Bobby Hill leaving training early

“He's fine. He's just sort of tweaked his ankle a little bit. But we’ve got four days before our game, there will be no concern there,” he said.

Nathan Kreuger’s form in the VFL

 “Kreugs has been playing some good footy, we just need a bit more time in his legs. He's missed a lot of footy over a number of years now. So, we just needed to get through some games, he got through a game and kicked three goals.

“The three goals is one thing but what he did was around that and playing ruck and other options, his name will definitely under consideration.” 

Will Hoskin-Elliott’s fitness

“Wil got through training, we sort of gave him a bit more time over the weekend to come up, so he was a chance to play last weekend. So as we do - get through a full week of training, so Will will be available.

Reef McInnes’ fitness

“Reef got through his concussion protocols and he will be available for selection.  

Jamie Elliott’s vascular issue

“There was some unknown timeframes in terms of Jamie's injury that was sort of just to watch this space and we had to work through that which is what it is, and then now we've got some really good news during the week that the treatment he has been using is working.

“He's on the mend and I think he might have done his first running session today so hopefully six to eight weeks away.

Coming up against Melbourne and their form

“The ladder position is not true reflection until the end. There's going to be peaks and troughs of everyone's game, the way we started the season and then found some form throughout. I think most teams would go through a bit of peaks and troughs and the true value will be right when it matters.

The tenth edition of Big Freeze at the ‘G and Neale Daniher

“It means a lot, it means a lot internally and then privately as well. The inspiration of Neale and you know ten years of the Big Freeze.”

Most people that get diagnosed with this disease last 27 months on average and he's such an incredible inspiration giving hope to many. He spoke to our players earlier in the week and he just still such a positive person, the way he conducts himself and I think he’s an incredible role model for many.

Watch the full press conference: