MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Brodie Grundy of the Magpies looks on during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has confirmed that Brodie Grundy won't feature at AFL level after suffering an injury setback, but is still hopeful the ruckman will get to play VFL football this weekend.

Grundy hasn't played a senior game for the Magpies since ANZAC Day when he suffered a PCL injury, but made a successful return in the VFL last weekend.

McRae confirmed that the 28-year-old suffered ankle soreness throughout his return match, but has been able to train.

“He played on the weekend, and I was rapt that he got through the game. We haven’t shied away thinking that he needed a bit of a hit-out before AFL opportunity,” McRae said on SEN’s The Run Home.

“Unfortunately, he pulled up a little bit sore. He trained yesterday and he got through the session, but he’s still a little bit sore.

“We won’t play him in the AFL this week, we’re hoping he gets up by the end of the week to play VFL again, but it might be just a wait and see at the moment.

AFL Rd 1 - Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Brodie Grundy of the Magpies walks off the field after the Magpies lost the round one AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 19, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“He was a little bit sore yesterday post training.”

“He’s having some awareness in the ankle during training and then it settles down a bit and then when he gets up to perform again there’s a little bit in it still.

“We’re just going to have to wait and see. He’s going to get some more treatment today and then see if he can train tomorrow and see where we’re at.”

Grundy has managed just six matches for the Pies this year, but looms as a possible inclusion for Collingwood's finals campaign once healthy. The dual All Australian has been linked to an off-season departure from the club throughout his time off the field, despite being contracted until the end of 2027.