Collingwood midfielder Jordan De Goey has been cleared to return this weekend when the club travels to the northern state to face Gold Coast.
The 28-year-old has had an inconsistent season this year after dealing with two different injuries, which has restricted him to only playing eight games in 2024.
De Goey suffered a groin injury this season and then sustained a new injury to his abdomen against Adelaide.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae confirmed on Thursday morning that the star will be right to go and play his first match since Round 10.
โJordy's trained well. He's had a good week and he'll play,โ McRae said.
โWe were hoping that this was the game, and he's ticked all those boxes.โย
Heโs back ๐ค
Fly has confirmed Jordy will play against the Gold Coast on Saturday, his first game since Round 10. pic.twitter.com/Cutk0S3qW1
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) June 27, 2024
De Goey has been working alongside veteran Scott Pendlebury, doing their rehabilitation together to both be fit and available after the bye.
The 36-year-old is also expected to return this weekend, alongside Brody Mihocek who both suffered injuries in Round 11. The pair have been cleared to face the Suns on Saturday.
Whilst the Pies will welcome back some key figures, the news can't be said to be the same for a small forward.
McRae announced Lachie Schultz will miss Saturday's clash due to gastro and vice-captain Isaac Quaynor is pushing to get up for Saturday's clash as he manages the flu.
"Lachie Schultz won't play. He has had gastro pretty bad this week, so he is just not going to get up to play," McRae said.
"Quaynor has the man flu. He is progressing well, so we are anticipating he plays this weekend, he will train tomorrow."
Premiership defender Oleg Markov will be available this weekend after missing Round 14 with a jarred back and forward Joe Richards could return this weekend to fill the gap in Schultz's absence if he passes a fitness test on Thursday after suffering a fractured metatarsal in Round 11.
"Joey has come fast," McRae said.
"He literally was three of four weeks away and we didn't think he would come on this quick. He has trained really well and put his hand up, so it will be an interesting conversation (at match committee)."