Collingwood have provided an injury update on 10 players ahead of their Round 1 match with St Kilda next Friday, with a number of key personnel set to be fit for the Magpies’ season opener.
Veteran Jeremy Howe (adductor), recruit Patrick Lipinksi (ankle), defender Isaac Quaynor (concussion), midfielder Taylor Adams (hamstring) and spearhead Brody Mihocek (illness) are all expected to be available for selection next week.
Howe has been sidelined throughout the Magpies’ pre-season clashes with Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney after suffering an adductor injury in his side’s intra-club hitout in February.
Lipinski had his day limited during Sunday’s clash with the Giants after rolling his ankle, however the club has revealed the former Bulldog will remain in contention for a club debut against the Saints.
Quaynor underwent the AFL’s concussion protocols after suffering a head knock late last month, with the agile backman set to overcome any lasting issues to feature for Craig McRae’s side at Marvel Stadium on March 18.
Taylor Adams and Brody Mihocek are both set to overcome their respective setbacks after being absent from the AAMI Community Series, with the pair’s return set to buoy McRae’s chances of a perfect start in his tenure as senior coach.
The Magpies will be without tall recruit Nathan Kreuger however, with the ex-Cat having accepted a one-game ban for a bump on Giant Callan Ward, with the key-position Magpie having also suffered a head knock in the incident.
Young swingman Nathan Murphy also had his evening against the Giants curtailed due to an ankle injury, with the club yet to provide further details on the young Magpie’s timeframe.
Collingwood’s backline is set to face an uphill battle to open their season, with key defensive pair Charlie Dean (2-3 months) and Jordan Roughead (1-2 months) currently nursing foot and shoulder injuries respectively.
Young key forward Liam McMahon has also been cleared of any lingering issues with his hampered ankle, making the teenager available for selection in Round 1.
Collingwood are fixtures to face Adelaide, Geelong and West Coast in the rounds succeeding their season opener against St Kilda.
