Defender Brayden Maynard aggravated an existing plantar fascia injury in Collingwood's 45-point victory over North Melbourne at the weekend and joins the likes of Daniel McStay and Ash Johnson on the club's short-term injury list, which is about to get a whole lot smaller.
Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill is set to return after he missed the game against the Roos for personal reasons and will bring back to the side the consistent small but impactful bags of goals he has produced since his move from GWS in early 2023, with 16 goals to his name in 2025.
Scott Pendlebury was a second late withdrawal alongside Hill last round after he came down with a bout of gastro, forcing McRae to call upon two emergencies.
"I don’t remember the last time we had a late withdrawal," McRae said.
“To be able to think on our feet a bit and get things where they need to be was again another pleasing part of the game.
“Some guys weren’t even playing up until an hour before the game.”
In planning for the Friday night blockbuster against sixth-placed Hawthorn, McRae is also planning on recalling three other important cogs of the Premiership contending machine.
34-year-old Steele Sidebottom, averaging 23 disposals and four tackles per game this season, was 'managed' last weekend due to a minor back concern that has since subsided.
Darcy Moore, who had missed two weeks with an AC joint injury in one shoulder, has also been cleared to come back along with small forward Lachie Schultz after he has recovered from the concussion suffered away to Fremantle two rounds back.
The ladder leaders will be looking to extend their stay at the summit of the ladder and avenge last season's 66-point loss to the Hawks in Round 19.