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Magpies ready to handle Saints' ruck duo

3 minute read

Collingwood interim coach Robert Harvey is confident the Magpies have got the right ruck mix to deal with St Kilda's Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall.

PADDY RYDER.
PADDY RYDER. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Collingwood are set for a stern task when they face St Kilda ruck dynamic duo Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall but interim coach Robert Harvey is confident the Magpies have got the right formula to prevail.

The Magpies opted against calling upon Max Lynch to provide support to gun ruckman Brodie Grundy, who also pushed forward against Fremantle last week, and fellow tall Darcy Cameron, against St Kilda.

"We know what Brodie brings," Harvey said.

"He's a great player, has been for a long time but he's gonna need support and we've got enough support around him to help him.

"So if we can keep him as fresh as possible against those two boys, that'd be ideal.

"There's plenty of options to support Brody ... we'll look to keep him fresh and powerful all game and obviously there's a challenge with obviously Ryder and Marshall together.

"So we want to keep him as fresh as we can and we know there's support there for him."

Harvey was wary of the Saints, who are coming off a 40-point demolition of Richmond and have enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, ahead of Sunday's clash at the MCG.

"They're pretty hard to play against and have been for a period so we know where it's at," Harvey said.

"Their ability to pressure and contest has been really good for a significant period of time.

"They've got some really dangerous tall and small forwards, their midfield is going really well. (Luke) Dunstan's come back in and been really strong for them.

"So we've got our challenges in every line, and we know how well they played last week.

"So we know where it's at, we know where the challenges lie and hopefully our group can come on Sunday with the right game to be able to match them."

Harvey said there was "lots to like" in the Magpies' loss to Fremantle but lamented some "uncharacteristic" and "easy" goals they'd conceded and emphasised a need to tighten up in that area against St Kilda.

The Magpies welcomed back Jordan De Goey from suspension after losing Beau McCreery (hamstring) and dropped medical substitute Callum Brown.

St Kilda regained Jack Billings from a knee issue but dropped Josh Battle, while Nick Coffield (hamstring) is unavailable.

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