Breaking: Collingwood coach explains “once in a thousand” changes as star defender breaks silence on “fascinating” injury
In an unusually candid press conference, Collingwood head coach Craig McRae addressed what he described as a “once in a thousand” series of changes to the team’s lineup, prompted by a spate of injuries and strategic adjustments. Among the most significant developments was the return to training of star defender Jeremy Howe, who has finally spoken publicly about the “fascinating” injury that sidelined him for weeks.
McRae didn’t mince words when asked about the string of forced substitutions and positional tweaks that disrupted Collingwood’s recent run. “You don’t see this sort of thing often—maybe once in a thousand games,” he said. “But that’s footy. We’re not immune to setbacks, and sometimes the game throws you a curveball.”
The Magpies were forced to juggle their backline following a series of injuries, with several young players stepping up to fill the gaps left by seasoned campaigners. But the absence of Howe, one of the AFL’s most dependable intercept defenders, left a noticeable void in the team’s structure.
Now on the mend, Howe broke his silence this week, sharing new insight into the bizarre nature of his injury, which kept fans and analysts guessing. “It was one of those things that just didn’t follow the usual pattern,” he said. “At first, the medical team thought it would be straightforward. But as things progressed, we realised it was a bit more complicated—fascinating, even, in how unpredictable it became.”
Though he didn’t go into full medical specifics, Howe revealed that the injury affected not only his ability to play but also his daily routine. “There were days when I couldn’t even jog, and then suddenly I’d feel fine. It messed with your head more than anything else,” he added.
Despite the disruption, both Howe and McRae expressed confidence that the experience had strengthened the team’s depth and resilience. Several emerging players had to adapt to new roles, and McRae praised their commitment and maturity. “It’s not ideal to make these kinds of changes, but in the long run, it tests our depth and creates new opportunities. I’ve been impressed by how our younger guys responded under pressure.”
With Howe nearing full fitness and expected to return in the coming weeks, Collingwood fans have reason to be optimistic. The defender said he’s “chomping at the bit” to get back on the field but is taking a measured approach. “There’s no point rushing. I want to be at 100% when I’m back. The club’s looking at the bigger picture—we’ve got a long season ahead.”
McRae echoed that sentiment, noting that while the unusual shuffle has posed challenges, it’s also reinforced the team’s flexibility. “It’s not how we drew it up, but it’s a good test of who we are. When you have to make ‘once in a thousand’ changes, it reveals character—and I’m proud of how the group has responded.”
