Search

show me:

We wouldn't have hung on in extra time, says Pies coach

3 minute read

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says his injury-battered team probably wouldn't have won if extra time had been played following their draw with Fremantle.

CRAIG MCRAE.
CRAIG MCRAE. Picture: Michael Willson/via Getty Images

Collingwood's dramatic draw with Fremantle on Friday night will reignite calls among fans for the AFL to introduce extra time, but Magpies coach Craig McRae is thankful the rule isn't in place just yet.

The Dockers stormed from 25 points down with less than eight minutes remaining to snatch a share of the spoils at a heaving Optus Stadium.

It marked Collingwood's second draw this year, following on from their stalemate against Essendon four weeks ago.

All up, there have been three draws in the league this year, with Adelaide and Brisbane finishing all square two weeks ago.

Extra time is played in finals, and there are growing calls for the rule to be introduced for home-and-away games as well.

McRae doesn't have a strong opinion either way.

But with his already injury-hit team losing Mason Cox (knee/concussion) and Brody Mihocek (hamstring) in the second half against Fremantle, McRae was happy there was no extra time in place this time around.

"I'm feeling like if this went to extra time, we're not hanging on," McRae said.

"Anzac Day may be a different story.

"We've now had three six-day breaks. And every injury that we've had along the way in those last few weeks has been a cost on the group.

"(We only had) one left on the bench against West Coast for a half and then the next week two on the bench, and then there's tonight (against Fremantle).

"So those things are a tax, and the key forward (injury) stuff stressing us out."

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir didn't have a strong opinion either.

"The rules are the rules," Longmuir said.

"I think the crowd would have liked it to be extra time.

"We've got a nine-day break, so we probably wouldn't mind going to extra time, but that might be a bit different if you're on a five-day break."

McRae was proud of the efforts from his youth-laden squad.

Collingwood entered the match against Fremantle missing Jordan De Goey, Jamie Elliott, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Mitchell and Jeremy Howe among others.

"I just said to the players that anyone at home watching this - Collingwood supporters - would be extremely proud of the effort from our players," McRae said.

"We've got some young players playing first game, two of them, and six players under 10 games.

"They didn't look out of sorts. I think for most of the night, we've had we've had enormous, enormous effort. To walk away with two points is better than zero."

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au