But it was in the warm confines of an old-school super box, above the bleachers of Windy Hill, that Rutten laid down the gauntlet to a certain area of his team.

“Our midfield group, I’m really keen to see what they do this week. They have been working really hard together about how they can continue to build their chemistry and cohesion,” Rutten said.

“They’ve wanted to be the best midfield group in the competition, they don’t need [extra encouragement] from me. We’re here to support them to do that. We’ve got some experienced guys in there, and they’re desperate to be the best that they can be.”

They were fascinating comments from Rutten, who has had a plethora of issues to deal with in just his second year as senior coach.

The ferocity and tenacity of his players have come under question several times, including an incident involving senior midfielder Dylan Shiel where he was mocked by Sydney champion Luke Parker.

The Bombers face a stern test against one of the strongest and tallest midfields in the competition in Carlton.

A recent comparison made on Nine’s Footy Classified - Nine owns this masthead - showed that Essendon’s tallest midfielder Jye Caldwell (183 centimetres) is shorter than one of Carlton’s smallest in Sam Walsh (184cm).

Walsh has four midfield teammates who look down on him: George Hewitt (187cm), Adam Cerra (187cm), Matt Kennedy (190cm) and Patrick Cripps (195cm).

“Carlton are pretty well stacked through there and they’re good at what they do. They’re good around clearances and around contested stuff and that’s an area that is the hallmark of any good football team and that’s certainly at the centre of what we’re trying to do,” Rutten said.

“To be able to do it against Carlton, who are pretty well versed in that respect, is going to be a good opportunity for us. We need to make sure that we are well-balanced but that we are also going after them as well.”

Star forward back for Blues

Jon Pierik

Carlton forward Harry McKay will make a quicker-than-expected return from injury and hopes to be a party pooper in Friday night’s clash against Essendon at the MCG.

McKay was found to have a lateral meniscus tear in his knee after the win over Adelaide in round eight, with the Blues at the time expecting him to miss six weeks. However, the injury has healed well after surgery and McKay has ramped up his training this week.

Coach Michael Voss confirmed on Thursday the Coleman medallist will be back to face the struggling Bombers in their 150th anniversary clash.

“He’s been fairly uninterrupted with his preparation. He’s an absolute pro so that’s given him the best chance to get out there. He came off the operation quite well and that’s always a great start, plus he was able to get into his rehab fairly quickly,” Voss said.

“He’s maybe a week or two ahead of where he should be but, if you ask Harry, he always had an eye on this round.

“We’re pleased he’s back. We’ve done a fantastic job trying to manoeuvre our team around and there’s been some flow-on effects, but we can get our team settled again in the front half and around the ball.”

Voss also said that defender Caleb Marchbank, who has not played a senior game in almost three years, will also return. Marchbank last lined up for the Blues against Melbourne in round 16, 2019.

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The versatile backman missed the rest of that season with a neck fracture, before his 2020 campaign was derailed by bone bruising in his knee. He had a knee reconstruction last year after an injury in the VFL. Marchbank’s return eases the backline issues for fellow talls Jacob Weitering, Oscar McDonald and Mitch McGovern are hurt, while playmaker Zac Williams is also absent.

“I’m really looking forward to watching him [Marchbank] on Friday night. It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere for him,” Weitering said.

“It was 2019 which was his last game of football — he has been put through the ringer. He’s had some strange injuries - a neck injury, knee, ankle and it’s been consistent.”

Weitering’s absence will still hurt. He has arguably been the league’s best defender this season. His one-on-one work has been pristine, for of the 27 one-on-one defensive contests he has contested, he has only been outmarked just once - ranked No. 1 for defenders.

‘An even competition’: McRae reveals no demons as key Magpies return

Nell Geraets

Sitting above the rest on this season’s ladder, Melbourne may seem an intimidating adversary ahead of the annual Queen’s birthday clash. But with an injured Tom McDonald, drama off-field and a few losses under their belt, the Demons may not be guaranteed a win.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae seems to agree. Although admitting that Melbourne’s best are the cream of the crop and forces to be reckoned with, he believes his up-and-coming stars and returning key players could clinch the victory.

“It doesn’t take too much to take a couple of magnets out of any team,” McRae said.

“To just be off 5 or 10 per cent, this is a very even competition.”

After seven days off and intensive training, the team’s coach says they have set themselves up to play well.

Despite some concern for key forward Brody Mihocek – who remains out with a bruised knee – McRae welcomes back forward Jamie Elliott, key forward Ashley Johnson and key defender Charlie Dean.

“We understand [the Demons] are clearly the best team in the competition for the last 18 months, so we have to bring our best,” McRae said.

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The Magpies sport new coaches and game plans, which accounts for the “ebbs and flows” in their performance so far.

“We’ve had some good performances, some average ones and I think in the last few weeks we’re sort of edging towards the team we want to be, with a lot more work to do,” McRae said.

Monday’s game will mark the eighth Big Freeze clash. In an effort to raise money and awareness for motor neuron disease, a water slide will grace the centre of the ’G and surprise musical performances will accompany the cheers of the crowd.

Bec Daniher – daughter of the face of the Big Freeze initiative, Neale Daniher – joined McRae on Thursday morning to thank Collingwood for their continued support. So far, $56 million has been raised to help find MND treatments, and they are hoping for a further $2 million by half-time on Monday.

“This is a special day in the footy club where we get to play for this occasion that’s such an inspiration to all,” McRae said.

“The cause itself has grown so much over the years … It’s a great opportunity for a broader reach, and it’s more than just football.”

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