Senior Coach Craig McRae has addressed the media ahead of this week’s Round 10 clash with Sydney.
McRae ruled out a key leader, spoke about the form of some young players, and emphasised his side’s desire to improve ahead of a crucial clash against the ladder leaders.
Cameron ruled out
“Yeah, Darcy’s not going to play, he’s got a bit going on with his body,” McRae said.
“We’re going to rule him out to travel.
“His body’s not quite ready to perform this week so we’re going to hold him back and not travel.”
On Brodie Grundy’s form for Sydney
“Really good, he’s having a super season,” he said.
“Great player, clearly performing at a level that’s exactly what the team’s doing as well, they’re performing at a high standard.”
On Charlie West and Tew Jiath’s VFL form
“I’d like to think that Charlie’s name will come up in match committee, we like to give these young lads opportunities,” he said.
“He kicked four goals and just competes really hard.
“It’s a big ask to go up and play the team on top of the ladder but opportunity will present for some and his name might be one.
“TJ’s had some good form the last couple of weeks.
“It’s nice that these guys are performing at a level that we go ‘you’re ready to compete at AFL level’.
On Pendlebury being rested this week
“We’ll celebrate Pendles next week as we should and as the whole industry should,” he said.
“There’s a lot of narrative between now and then but to be honest we’re just here now and worried about Sydney.
“I don’t ask him about the external stuff I just worry about his body and how his body is preparing and recovering and it will be an exciting week next week.”
On where the team is at after nine games
“We’re just a work in progress, I say that right from the start,” he said.
“Whether it’s Round 10 or Round 1, whatever it is, we just want to get better.
“Opportunities present for our list … we’ve got a lot of youth that will get opportunities in the coming weeks.
“It’s an exciting time to transition from some experience to youth and our fans will get a look at that.”
