Collingwood have put a line through Taylor Adams' chances of playing in Saturday's grand final following another setback in his recovery from a hamstring strain.
Adams left the training track early at Tuesday's session after reporting 'hamstring awareness', which further hindered his chances at selection.
The 30-year-old initially suffered the strain during the Magpies' main session between their opening final and the preliminary final win over GWS, forcing the former Giant to miss last Friday's thrilling one-point win.
On Tuesday afternoon the club confirmed Adams would not be available to feature in Saturday's season decider.
“Unfortunate news for Taylor Adams who experienced hamstring awareness during training today which will see him miss the Grand Final,” Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said.
“Taylor is an ultimate professional and a true leader both on and off the field and we will wrap our arms around him and continue to support him this week.
“Taylor was incredibly eager to be out there with his teammates and left no stone unturned in his rehabilitation and recovery and we all share in his disappointment.”
The setback for Adams might make selection less stressful for McRae and co, who are still needing to name a replacement for the injured Dan McStay.
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McStay suffered a high-grade MCL sprain in the win over the Giants and has since been ruled out of the grand final.
Collingwood will name their starting 22 and list of emergencies on Thursday night ahead of Saturday's clash with the Lions.