Collingwood coach Craig McRae is still in awe of his side’s “cracking pick-up” Dan Houston.
Houston ran amok against Port Adelaide on Saturday night, collecting 27 damaging disposals to help his new team belt his old one to the tune of 91 points.
McRae believes all recruits bring an element of buoyancy to their new club but says Houston is a “rare talent” the Magpies are considering themselves lucky to have.
Watch your club in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
CHANCES ARE YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
“Yeah he’s a cracking pick-up isn’t he and he nearly brought the house down with that kick from 50, he doesn’t miss those at training,” he said.
“When you have someone come to your club you have this sort of great optimism about what they’re going to bring.
“But when they’re actually in your system you go ‘whoa, he’s going to make a difference’.
“Not only does he win the ball in the air but he wins it on the ground and then uses it ridiculously well … rare talent, we’re very happy to have him.”
Houston sat out of the Opening Round after serving the final match of a suspension overhanging from last season.
McRae asked the Magpies during the week how much energy they had going into the Power and Houston’s response was telling.
“We did a little gathering as a group and we talked about what our battery levels were at,” McRae said.
“‘How’s your battery going, if you were a phone’, (some said) ‘I’m 100 per cent, 25, 50’, (we did it) just to see what the room is doing.
“Pretty much everyone was 85 plus but Dan actually said ‘I am 100 per cent charged and I have got a spare 100 per cent spare in my back pocket ready to go’.
“I am not sure if that was just because he was playing his team that he played for previously but he had energy to get the season going for him.”
Houston was strong in the contest and cleanly hit targets around the ground with the type of composure Collingwood was solely lacking last week.
“I’ll tell you who’s been on fire tonight – Dan Houston – he has been sensational,” Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson told Fox Footy.
“What I’ve liked is when you look at his heat map, it’s all through the corridor. He straightens Collingwood up in being able to go forward and go forward with effect.”
Former Crows and Carlton forward Eddie Betts added: “He’s an absolute superstar. You always look at when you’re going to play your old side. It’s Round 1 and he’s having a great game.”
Collingwood faces Western Bulldogs back at the MCG on Friday night.
Discussion about this post