Collingwood coach Craig McRae will for the club’s two pre-season hitouts hand over the coaching reins.
McRae, who has already shown his ability to delegate in his two years at the helm, will take a backseat for the clashes, with new defensive coach Jordan Roughead and lieutenant Hayden Skipworth set to fast-track their development as a result.
The premiership coach will still be involved at both games, but it speaks to the team-oriented mindset McRae has helped flourish in his time at the club.
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Collingwood’s coaching structure underwent some change ahead of the 2024 season, including Skipworth being promoted to senior assistant and Roughead being tasked with the backline.
Justin Leppitsch was promoted to a director of strategy and innovation, while Brendon Bolton stepped into a director of coaching role.
Roughead will drive the bulk of responsibility for the Pies’ first pre-season clash, while Skipworth will do the same for the second.
McRae was on deck at Collingwood training on Wednesday, once again entrusting his lieutenants with running drills while he took a more hands-on approach, as well as voicing his support for his troops throughout the two-hour session.
The Pies will take on North Melbourne on February 21 in match simulation before a final hitout against Richmond on February 27.
All pre-season games across both weeks will be live on Fox Footy, via Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
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