'Good home ground': McRae relishing Gabba test

The Gabbatoir holds no fears for Craig McRae, who is relishing the "massive test" that faces Collingwood on Thursday night against Brisbane.

The Magpies coach is backing their team defence to cope with the loss of captain Darcy Moore. He returned in last week's win over GWS, only to be sidelined for a month with a fresh hamstring injury.

The Magpies have won their last two games at the Gabba against the two-time time defending premiers.

McRae cheekily referred to the venue as "a good home ground'.

He added the blockbuster would tell them plenty about how they are shaping early in the season.

"You play against good opposition, you want to bring your A-game," McRae said after Tuesday training.

"(It's) a massive test and it's a great time to get it. Everyone wants to find out where they are."

There is no obvious replacement for Moore and McRae said Will Parker is a strong candidate to come into the side. Veteran Scott Pendlebury also will not make the trip.

Star onballer Nick Daicos looked proppy at training, but McRae was adamant he would be ready for the Lions.

"We've had a bit of experience (with) Darcy being out," McRae noted.

"We'll go back to a model that we know has worked ... our team defence has been quite strong.

"Anyone who's watched us or played against us in recent times realises our defensive system looks strong and we're going to need it against the Lions, who are the best at moving the ball.

"We don't have like-for like, we don't have 200cm key backs in reserve unfortunately."

While Moore is a major casualty, fellow defender Jeremy Howe is back and McRae said their backline has the ability to cope with whatever the Lions throw at them.

"You have to work around with what you have," McRae said.

"We played against Adelaide with some pretty big monsters down there and we only had (one) key defender, in fact, with Billy Frampton and now we have (Jeremy) Howe back. So we'll be balanced."

One of the highlights of the win over GWS was the long-awaited debut ot Oscar Steene, who impressed in the ruck and kicked a goal.

"The crazy reality he's in now, he has to do it all again six days later. That's the hardest thing and Pendles has done it 430 times and he's about to do it his second," McRae said.

The coach added immediately after the game Steene had told him it was probably the best day of his life.

"Hopefully he has the best day of his life on Thursday, too," McRae added.

Meanwhile, Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill continued to train well after his belated return to the club.

"His progression is good, two steps forward. He did a bit of match play today for the first time and showed 'Bobby-dazzle' stuff that we love," McRae said.

"He's a work in progress - again, no time line, but he's in his pre-season right now."