Senior Coach Craig McRae addressed the media ahead of the Round Eight showdown against Carlton at the MCG this Friday night, covering several key topics.
Reflecting on the ANZAC Day draw, McRae emphasized the positives, urging the team to celebrate the encouraging aspects of the result. However, he also acknowledged areas for improvement upon reviewing the game tape.
McRae revealed that Jordy De Goey and Tom Mitchell would miss the upcoming match due to respective issues with tight groins and plantar fascia discomfort that had been persisting for some time.
In light of the absences, McRae highlighted potential replacements, including Oleg Markov, Lachie Sullivan, Fin Macrae, and Harvey Harrison, all of whom have been performing well in the VFL and could step up to fill the void.
Discussing the challenge of facing Carlton, McRae emphasized the need for a collective effort to counter their key players effectively, particularly their two prominent tall forwards.
McRae praised Billy Frampton’s contribution, especially in the absence of injured players like Darcy Moore. Frampton’s ability to match up against taller opponents has been crucial, and McRae expects him to play a significant role in the upcoming game.
