AFL

Magpies could repeat tagging dose against Crows

Mar 13, 2026

(L-R) Josh Daicos, Harry Perryman and Tew Jiath. — Harry Perryman's tagging performance against the Saints impressed many associated with Collingwood. -AAP Image

Buoyed by Harry Perryman's terrific shutdown job on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Collingwood coach Craig McRae could turn to tagging to limit Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson.

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Perryman kept budding St Kilda superstar Wanganeen-Milera to just 19 disposals and a goal in the Magpies' opening-round win.

It could tempt McRae to deploy the hard-nosed utility in a similar role on classy ball magnet Dawson at the MCG on Saturday night.

"I said to the playing group on Tuesday when we got back for the first time to review as a group, we'll find whatever it takes to get the job done against that opposition," McRae said.

"Against the Saints, we thought young Nas was such a weapon and we wanted to make his influence not so much.

"This week, they've got a number of threats aerially ... Dawson's one player that you got to keep your eye on ... we'll just have to wait to see what we need this week. I'm unsure at the moment."

One thing Collingwood will definitely turn to again is making frequent use of Dan Houston's super boot.

The former Port Adelaide star had a tricky first season with the Pies but flourished against the Saints, with 21 kicks from 28 disposals, 629 metres gained and 10 rebounds.

"Look, we want the ball in Dan's hand. And there was clear instruction - Dan takes all the kick ins, give him the ball, let's get the ball in his hands," McRae said.

"He's such a weapon. He's probably the best kick in our team, and we've got a lot of great kicks - he's probably lineball with Nick (Daicos), I'd say.

"We want the ball in his hands."

Collingwood will continue contemplating how to use their fifth bench player.

Evergreen veteran Scott Pendlebury played just 55 per cent game time but had a remarkable 26 disposals, 10 score involvements and five direct goal assists off half-forward.

"We found last week a formula works in terms of keeping a guy on the bench, again Pendles makes most things work," McRae said.

"I think we'll have a similar formula this week, I'm just not sure if it'll be him.

"I think we'll have a scenario where one player might sit out a bit of the first quarter and then inject him into the game and we'll wait and see what that looks like."

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore (hamstring) misses again while the game marks big man Dan McStay's 200th AFL appearance.