COLLINGWOOD will be forced to make at least four changes ahead of Sunday's clash against West Coast at Marvel Stadium after Jamie Elliott was ruled out on Friday.
The 31-year-old didn't train at the AIA Centre due to back soreness after being named in the 26-man squad on Thursday.
After beating Carlton last Friday night, the Magpies' forward line will look very different on Mother's Day with four forwards unavailable this weekend.
Brody Mihocek strained his hamstring against the Blues, while Beau McCreery is in concussion protocols and recruit Lachie Schultz is serving a one-game suspension.
Star midfield pair Jordan De Goey (groin) and Tom Mitchell (appendix) will also both miss a second game due to injury.
"We tried to give Jamie every chance to play, hence why we named him in the squad, but he woke up this morning and he still has a sore back. It didn't settle enough to get him out there so will see how it goes," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said on Friday morning.
The Pies have recalled young key forward Reef McInnes to face the Eagles, while veteran defender Jeremy Howe will play in attack this weekend.
"Jeremy will play forward," McRae said.
"We don't have a cast of thousands lining up to play as key forwards for us. His experience is what we want to lean into. He has a lot of class as a forward, he has history there, so we are hopeful he can play a role for us there."
Former first-round pick Fin Macrae will return to the senior side after a month in the VFL, where he has averaged 28 disposals and seven tackles.
The 22-year-old won't start as the sub after being subbed in or out of rounds one, two and three to start 2024.
"Fin will play; I told Fin yesterday; he will get a good opportunity to play a full game and show what he is capable of," McRae said.
"I think one of the exciting things about Sunday is we're going to play some players that have been craving opportunity. Our team has been pretty rock solid in terms of injuries early in the year. Guys have been playing good footy and not getting a chance.
"We are not bringing in 18-year-old guys just out of school, we are bringing in guys that have had to bide their time and they will get opportunities this weekend."
Pre-season supplemental selection period signing Jack Bytel will make his first appearance for the Magpies after being delisted by the Saints last September, while former country star Joe Richards is set to replace Elliott.
After winning only three games in 2023 and two in 2022, West Coast has won twice in the past month and almost beat Essendon at Optus Stadium last Saturday night.
McRae is wary of Adam Simpson's side, which beat Collingwood at Marvel Stadium in 2022, and is preparing to limit the influence of 2023 No.1 pick Harley Reid on Sunday.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing him play live. I haven't had the chance to do that," McRae admitted.
"The little snippets I'’ve seen on TV, he has a little bit of 'Dusty' [Martin] in him, he's got a little bit of Nick Daicos in him and Ben Cousins storming out of stoppage in the No.9 on his back.
"He is a remarkable talent and I think the game is better for having young guys like this in the game."
