Collingwood tall Mason Cox is confirmed to miss this weekend's clash with Adelaide as he continues to recover from an ankle injury, with recruit Nathan Kreuger set to make his club debut.
Cox has been placed on the mend in the wake of last Friday's win over St Kilda, with Magpies senior coach Craig McRae ruling the American out of his side's selection planning for Round 2.
Kreuger will don the black and white in Saturday's bout with the Crows, with the ex-Cat returning from a one-game suspension that followed Collingwood's AAMI Community Series clash against Greater Western Sydney earlier this month.
That match also saw Kreuger sidelined with concussion, however, the athletic swingman has been cleared to play his first AFL game for the Magpies.
"We couldn't be more rapt with the way he's gone about it," McRae said of Kreuger, per the club's website.
"The hunger and the want to get an opportunity - this guy is 100 percent in.
"You know what effort you're going to get from him, he will give his all."
McRae will be hoping his perfect start to the season continues as they welcome the 0-1 Crows to Marvel Stadium, with the Magpies looking to transition their fiery form from last Friday into Round 2.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The maligned-yet-mercurial midfielder in Jordan De Goey was among Collingwood's best in their season opener, with the 26-year-old continuing to hone his craft in the engine room.
Unsigned past this season, De Goey will be out to prove his worth to McRae in 2022, with the Collingwood senior coach backing in his star to continue adding an edge to his midfield.
"I just love what Jordy's bringing to our group," McRae said.ย
"I'm new to this role and haven't seen Jordy this close and personal until now. I just love what he brings within our four walls but also he just makes us a better team.
"If he can continue to improve as a player and then do what he's doing, he's certainly someone we'd love to have on board long term."
Another highlight from Round 1 was the dazzling debut of prized pick Nick Daicos, with the father-son selection recording 27 possessions and earning a top-five placing in the opening round's Rookie Rankings.
McRae was thrilled to see the teenager's efforts pay off early, noting Friday's performance was a glimpse of what's to come for this year and beyond.
"Nick's come into our environment. He's so professional, he constantly wants to get better. He's following up with coaches all the time... he's going to get the best out of himself," he said.
"At the moment, we're seeing what he's capable of now, and it's exciting to think what he could be capable of in the future."
Nick's brother, Josh, also got his season started on the right foot, playing a key role as a forward threat and through midfield.
When asked about Josh's performance, McRae was thrilled to place the 53-gamer in the limelight.
"He's sort of sitting there in the background and I couldn't be more happy with Josh," McRae toldย Zero Hanger.ย
"I think his ability to play a role [has been a standout], he's had a terrific pre-season.
"He's getting a little bit lost if you like in the Daicos discussion. We're really happy with what's he's bringing to the table."
Collingwood will host the Crows at Docklands at 1:45pm AEDT as both sides look to make a statement early into their respective seasons.
