CTV > Watch Assistant Coach Brad Scott's press conference, Wed 2 JulyCOLLINGWOOD is optimistic its side will be boosted by the return of ruckman Josh Fraser and forward Leon Davis this weekend, with both putting in solid performances on the training track on Wednesday.
Assistant coach Brad Scott said the side is looking OK on the injury front, with the pair a chance to bolster the Magpies' goalkicking stocks following lengthy injuries sustained by forwards Anthony Rocca and Ben Reid two weeks ago.
"They trained strongly, so we'll meet later this afternoon to discuss whether they're back in the side," Scott said at the Lexus Centre.
"It was encouraging the way they trained. Quality players are [good to get back], and if we can get Josh back to the form he showed in the Hall of Fame game, that would be really encouraging.
"He (Fraser) jumped really well that game, and to get him back in that sort of form is really important to our future success.
"[Leon] is another one we're going to have to assess. Unfortunately we can't give a 100 percent diagnosis this close to training, so we'll wait and see how he pulls up."
Fraser injured his knee when representing Victoria back in May and missed the following round. He has struggled with it since, but was able to return to the side and play four games before sitting out round 13.
Scott said the Pies have plenty of options to replace Rocca and Reid, including playing three ruckmen, shifting Travis Cloke – who returns from suspension – closer to goal, or elevating a youngster from the VFL side.
"Travis can play a different role; he can play as a big full forward, or he can play as a running centre half-forward. He has elite endurance so he can play that role," he said.
"We'll assess Josh's fitness and if he's up and going, we may play one of the ruckmen as a key forward.
"Chris Dawes took 11 marks and kicked three goals on the weekend [in the VFL]. Brent Macaffer, who is still on our rookie list, kicked five goals and has kicked four the two previous weeks.
"He's one that we're keeping a really close eye on, probably not for this week but in future, we'll have a look at him.
"Jack Anthony has played boys ends of the ground, so he's a possibility to play forward or back.
"Losing players like Rocca and Reid is always disappointing, but from a coaching perspective, we really get to look at some young guys."
