> Josh Fraser speaks to CTV in the MCG rooms after the winCOLLINGWOOD'S Josh Fraser believes there is a place for two ruckmen in the Pies' finals campaign.
Fraser, 27, played his first game since round 15 on Sunday after undergoing a minor knee operation to repair lingering soreness sustained in last year's Hall of Fame match.
He combined with Cameron Wood in the ruck for just the fourth time this season, with the pair producing 30 touches and 24 hit-outs between them.
"It could be horses for courses, but then again, it worked pretty well today," Fraser said of the partnership, after the Pies' 41-point win over the Sydney Swans.
"Darren Jolly is quite a good ruckman and we seemed to work pretty well against him.
> Watch the team sing the song after the win"We're going to have [Bulldogs Ben] Hudson and [Will] Minson next week, who are two pretty big boys as well.
"I think coming into September, most sides have got at least two recognised ruckmen in their side, and it could be a real advantage for us to be both playing at the same time."
Fraser said he was confident Wood, who has now played 39 senior games but is yet to play in a final, would be able contribute to the side in September.
"[His development] has come with being thrown the responsibility, and he's at the age now where he's really ready to develop into a ruckman.
"His confidence should be pretty high, and he's got some really good skills and tricks, so I don't see why not."
Fraser finished Sunday's game with 17 touches, seven hit-outs, three clearances and two goals.
> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media after the win"I've pulled up well so far. I might feel a bit different in the morning," he said.
"I was surprised actually. My fitness felt really good and having Cam there as well gives me an opportunity to get on the bench and have a bit of a rest and recharge.
"The plan going in was to play 70 per cent, so the last week of training has been really intense from my point of view, and that's probably enabled me to come back and pick it up quickly."
The Pies' vice-captain said he was pleased to have made it back into the side with September looming.
"You're always a bit nervous when you're not playing two or three weeks out from the finals and the boys are flying," he said.
"It was great to get back in. I haven't spoken to [coach] Mick [Malthouse], but hopefully he was happy enough with the role I played.
"It's good to get one under the belt because it's a big game next week and then we're into [finals]."
