Collingwood expect Josh Daicos to play against Melbourne despite the star midfielder battling illness in the build-up to the King’s Birthday blockbuster.
Daicos was named in the squad alongside brother Nick, after the pair and famous father Peter pulled out of a private function they were due to appear at on Saturday night.
Josh Daicos did not train that morning because of his illness, though Nick completed the session with his teammates.
Several other Magpies have dealt with varying degrees of illness in recent weeks.
“We’ve had a bit of a virus. I think it might be this time of year,” coach Craig McRae said last week.
“I got it last week and it’s just going through the place but we’re very strict on your ability to come in (to the club) with anything.
“We’re pretty strict on our protocols right now … we’ve just got to be diligent.”
Collingwood (11-1) are looking to move a game clear on top of the ladder with a ninth straight win and made just one change to their selected side to face third-placed Melbourne (8-4).
Hard-running Patrick Lipinski will play his first game of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery, replacing suspended star Jordan De Goey.
Magpies forwards Will Hoskin-Elliott and Beau McCreery were also selected despite lingering concerns over ankle injuries sustained during the last-start defeat of West Coast.
Dan McStay (finger) and Jame Elliott (shoulder) were declared fit to return from injuries by McRae last week but did not make the cut.
Melbourne also made just one change, recalling defender Michael Hibberd in place of premiership teammate Jake Bowey (concussion).
Hibberd missed the win Demons’ win over Carlton in round 12 because of soreness.
Australian Associated Press