But for all the strengths the Ashcrofts bring to the fore, the Magpies\u2019 Daicos duo \u2013 Nick and Josh \u2013 have been the most feared sibling union in the AFL.<\/p>\n
Despite Brisbane securing a 27-point win in their last encounter, the Collingwood wizards were dominant, combining for 58 disposals and 10 inside 50s to keep their side in the hunt.<\/p>\n
While Josh has generated plenty of downfield momentum \u2013 averaging 26.9 disposals and five rebounds \u2013 McCluggage stressed that \u201cwinning the contest\u201d would be central to the Lions\u2019 chances of reaching a third-straight grand final.<\/p>\n
That is an area in which Will and Nick are evenly matched.<\/p>\n
Loading<\/p>\n
But McCluggage revealed co-captain Lachie Neale had been working closely with Ashcroft to ensure he was up to the task, as the two-time Brownlow Medallist plotted a shock comeback from a calf injury in time for the grand final.<\/p>\n
\u201cLachie\u2019s been awesome, he\u2019s stayed really involved in the team. He\u2019s come out and said he\u2019s pushing for that grand final, so that just keeps him motivated to work hard,\u201d McCluggage said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been away doing what he needs to do individually, but he\u2019s been in all our team meetings helping the boys.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe works closely with guys like Will to make sure they\u2019re ready to go for the game ahead, and he\u2019s still speaking up in our line meetings helping us with all his experience and knowledge that he\u2019s gained from past finals.\u201d<\/p>\n
McCluggage will undoubtedly have a major role in defying the Daicos threat, stressing his focus will be on \u201crunning both ways, defensively and offensively\u201d to limit the carnage that Collingwood\u2019s leading men could inflict.<\/p>\n
The first-time All Australian responded to a heavy tag by Cats maestro Oisin Mullin, with his knee heavily strapped, to tear the Gold Coast apart with 33 disposals \u2013 including a career-best 22 handballs.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old\u2019s evolution in that area \u2013 a strength of the Ashcrofts, who boast 88 per cent efficiency, compared to the Daicos\u2019 80 per cent \u2013 could be crucial in navigating the strong pressure game the Magpies have built their campaign on.<\/p>\n
McCluggage declared that while he was disappointed with his performance against Geelong, his knee issues had nothing to do with what took place.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere wouldn\u2019t be a player in the comp who isn\u2019t playing with some sort of niggle; it just happens to be that mine looks a little worse because I\u2019ve got a heap of tape around my knee,\u201d McCluggage said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it really isn\u2019t too bad, and I don\u2019t put any of the blame on the way I performed on my body. I was ready to go … I\u2019m feeling as good as I\u2019ve felt for this time of year, despite what you might see.\u201d<\/p>\n