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Home study has Magpies ready for Swans

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has used an enforced couch day at home earlier in the week to boost his planning for Sunday's AFL clash with Sydney.

CRAIG MCRAE.
CRAIG MCRAE. Picture: Michael Willson/via Getty Images

Collingwood coach Craig McRae believes an intensive video session from the comfort of his own couch will have the Magpies prepared for whatever Sydney can throw at them on Sunday.

The Magpies will secure a top two spot with a win over the fourth-placed Swans at the SCG if they can extend their remarkable winning run to a 12th match.

McRae was thrown a curveball earlier in the week when forced to stay home due to a minor illness, but the 48-year-old says he used the time off productively.

"With protocols these days any sniffle, like I had a bit of a sniffle, you're asked to stay away so you don't infect others," he told reporters.

"That's just been part and parcel of the whole year.

"Had a day off. It's good to spend a bit more time on the couch. It's enjoyable.

"I got a lot of prep done, to be honest. Watched a lot of Sydney.

"They are a very good team. You don't sit fourth on the ladder by fluke.

"The way they move the footy, the way they're defending really well, they've got a lot of weapons through the middle of the ground, yeah, there's a lot to be ready for."

With Sydney having won five straight matches, both teams' winning form is reflected in neither side making any changes to their line-ups from last weekend.

The Magpies' remarkable run has featured 10 victories by a margin of less than two goals, a trait that McRae admits gives them belief heading into the pointy end of the campaign.

"We're still learning how to win," McRae said.

"I tell you, get a close game and we're going to be really hard to beat ... that's something that is going to stand us in good stead hopefully but I think winning can be a habit.

"Winning behaviours are definitely a habit, we're trying to create plenty of those."

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