FORMER Collingwood midfielder John McCarthy says he expects to be called upon by new coach Matthew Primus to offer inside information ahead of Port Adelaide's clash with the Magpies on Saturday.
McCarthy spent four years on Collingwood's list before being traded to Port Adelaide late last year, after being taken by the Magpies with pick No. 31 at the 2007 NAB AFL draft.
Despite last year's grand finalists being led by a new coach in Nathan Buckley, McCarthy said he could still offer Primus some valuable advice.
"When players go to new clubs and they come up against their old sides I'm sure that they'll ask me a question or two," McCarthy said.
"There are things I'll tell Matty [Primus] that we did last year, obviously the game-plan has changed with Bucks coming in, but Collingwood aren't totally different so there are a few things I'd be able to help them out with."
McCarthy described Collingwood's start to the week as "chaotic", as 2010 premiership coach Mick Malthouse and president Eddie McGuire engaged in a public feud.
It's a stoush that Malthouse and Nathan Buckley's family have weighed in on.
Malthouse's daughter Danielle Kearney tweeted, "I don't know how Eddie McGuire sleeps at night #lies", in support of her father, while Buckley's father Ray urged critics to give his son "a fair chance".
McCarthy said it was positive to see the two families showing public support, claiming, "that's what family are for".
"I think it's good for the public to know that Mick's family have got his back and they're looking out for him… It's good when family sticks up for you," he said.
"I think it's fair enough."
Despite rumours of unrest at the Pies, McCarthy said all seemed well when he left the club in December.
"When I was there everything was pretty amicable between the players and coaches," he said.
"Bucks is a great coach and has a great footy mind so I'm sure he knows what's going on down there and they'll turn it around."
Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
