Craig McRae can see a “Collingwood flavour” at Carlton since Josh Fraser became interim coach.
The Blues went on a remarkable seven-game winning streak when Fraser took charge, before a stark reality check against Hawthorn last Saturday night.
If Carlton can win their first game against Collingwood since 2023, which would snap a five-game losing run to the Magpies, then the Blues will close within two points of their arch-rivals.
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Fraser played 200 games for the Pies and spent three years in the club’s coaching program, before a return to the Blues ahead of this season.
Not only is Fraser coaching Carlton, Collingwood premiership player Graham Wright, who was also the club’s former football boss, is the Blues’ chief executive.
“There’s a lot of Collingwood flavour to it and I say that respectfully,” Magpies coach McRae said of Carlton’s transformation under Fraser.
“He spent a lot of time in our building; they’re defending the ground well, and they’re maintaining possession really well.
“This game’s going to be, at times, a bit of a struggle, a bit of an arm wrestle.”
Collingwood have won their past four matches — all against struggling or middling teams.
A clash with their improved foes will provide a greater test of where the Magpies truly sit this season as they push to claim a wildcard spot.
Three of Collingwood’s last five wins over the Blues have been by six points or less.
The storied rivalry has come alive in the McRae era, with several classic finishes.
Jamie Elliott’s clutch goal in the final game of the 2022 season dramatically kicked Carlton out of the finals.
Blues pair Mitch McGovern and Talor Byrne have both had opportunities to win games with kicks after the siren, but the Magpies managed to dodge those bullets.
“It’s going to be a massive game for us in the context of our season and their season,” McRae said.
“You just add the little herbs and spices of the great history that we have.
“We we don’t shy away, we embrace the the rivalry for what it is, and step right into it.
“We’ve just had so many close games in recent times, it just adds another another layer to it. We’ve been on the on the winning ledger of those close games, but this one just seems like it’s got a bit more about it.”
Fraser declared he’s “all in” on Carlton this weekend.
“I’ve still got a lot of good relationships and have enjoyed some great times there as a player and as a coach more recently, but it’s all business this weekend,” he said.
“There’s no doubt it’s real (the rivalry).
“It’s more intense through the supporter bases, but it certainly exists.”
