> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media after the winCOLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse says the Magpies' selection committee is facing a tough task over the next few weeks as a number of their tall players compete for senior spots.
Ruckman Josh Fraser returned on Sunday against the Sydney Swans, and worked well with Cameron Wood for a combined tally of 30 possessions, 24 hit-outs and three goals.
On Saturday, the omitted Chris Dawes, Ben Reid, Nathan Brown and Chris Bryan played well in the VFL, while Anthony Rocca kicked two goals.
Malthouse said selection decisions, including whether to play two ruckman together, would be made with "what's best for the team" in mind over the next few weeks.
He also said the club wouldn't make soft decisions, like picking players based purely on experience and standing within the side.
"You've got to get it right. You can't just take the easy options, which is Josh is a vice-captain, a very good footballer, pick him," Malthouse said, after the Pies' 41-point win over the Swans.
"Two weeks out from the finals, it was very important Josh get a game under his belt and gets a second one under his belt next week so we can see what it looks like."
The Fraser-Wood combination has been played only four times this year – in rounds nine, 10, 12 and on Sunday – games all won by Collingwood.
> Josh Fraser speaks to CTV in the MCG rooms after the winHowever, Malthouse said picking the two would remain a week by week proposition.
"Today, I thought both players playing together was probably the best result they've had in those games," Malthouse said.
"That gives us something, but it will be horses for courses, make no mistake about it.
"[The VFL performances] puts a bit of pressure back on to players to perform at this level. If the chemistry doesn't mix, we're not going to run with it."
The Magpies have won 12 from their last 13 games, with their only loss coming in round 16 against Hawthorn.
Malthouse agreed plenty of things have gone right for his side since it started its charge, but said he was somewhat disappointed with Sunday's game.
"It's been good. The price is hard work, and then as you get into it, a belief, and then you need to maintain it. They're the things that are difficult," he said.
> Watch the team sing the song after the win"I thought we were reasonably flat today. We played a side that we know how they play, and it was always going to be a mauling scrum, if you like.
"I didn't think we handled a lot of it as well as we have in the past, but as the game went on, I thought we got better at it."
Malthouse said the Pies would not get caught up in their increasing premiership favouritism. "We've been low profile; all the things we need to do are being tested, and we're looking to improve without worrying about outside interferences," he said.
