Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe is expected to need at least three weeks to recover from a groin strain he suffered on Friday night in the Magpies thrilling win over Melbourne.
Channel 7's Xander McGuire reported on Sunday Footy Feast that the 35-year-old's September hopes are in jeopardy due to the injury, which he re-aggravated during the second quarter.
Howe had initially suffered the groin strain in Round 18 against Gold Coast, which sidelined him for two weeks, though this occurence appears to be more concerning, with the defender reportedly telling club doctors that he "heard a pop.”
It's unfortunate news for the 2023 premiership veteran, who has been substituted medically from his last two AFL matches and hasn't featured in more than 65% time on ground since Round 16 against West Coast. The recovery timeline means, at best, he could return for a Collingwood preliminary final, should they make it that far.
"He's likely to miss at least three weeks" - Xander McGuire
Jeremy Howe won't return for the Pies until prelim final weekend 😔 pic.twitter.com/FvwU4f6WJa
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 24, 2025
In more positive news for Collingwood fans, speedster Beau McCreery and forward Brody Mihocek are likely to recover from their respective knocks for week one of the Finals series.
McCreery was taken to the rooms to be assessed after his foot was "stomped on" against the Demons, though he ultimately returned to the field and played out the match. McGuire reported that the 24-year-old has had scans, and the hope is that he can "play through the pain" as Collingwood get set to embark on another premiership tilt.
While laying a tackle, Mihocek's wrist got caught under Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver, but the early hope is that it is just a "minor sprain", with the week off before Finals giving Collingwood a chance to train him up back to full strength.
Barring a Giants thrashing against St Kilda, the Magpies will likely revisit Adelaide for week one of Finals in what shapes up to be a blockbuster Qualifying Final.
