Collingwood's stunning qualifying final performance against Adelaide wasn't just crucial to bolstering their premiership hopes, but the win has also provided them with the time to get several key players fit and firing for the back end of September.
Versatile star Josh Daicos believes that two players currently on the sidelines will make a big push for their preliminary final next weekend as they ramp up their training loads on the road to recovery.
Daicos firmly denied reports that there are trust issues between Bobby Hill and the rest of the playing group as personal matters off-field have kept the 2023 Norm Smith medallist from achieving full AFL match fitness since Round 15.
Instead, Daicos backed in Hill to feature in selection conversations following a strong showing at the reserves practice match between Collingwood and Geelong last weekend.
"It's been great to have Bobby back at training," Daicos told media on Tuesday.
"He performed in the practice match exceptionally well on the weekend, I think he kicked four goals, so it's been great to have him back at the club.
"He's made his name in finals football so if there is someone to come back and have an impact, he'd definitely be right up there. It's great to see him smiling and back at the club.
"No [there are no trust issues]. The biggest thing for him now will be continuing to ramp up his load, he's still got another couple of weeks to prove himself so I'm sure there will be a lot to play out."
Meanwhile, Jeremy Howe's recovery from his groin strain he suffered in Round 24 is progressing positively, with a return imminent for the veteran defender.
"Howe is moving really well as well. He was running just a few days after his groin injury," Daicos said.
"Obviously, the win is really big for us to allow him to have that extra time and get his body right. We'll be looking forward to getting him healthy."
Forward Brody Mihocek appeared to finish the qualifying final sore and was not seen at training on Tuesday as he battles a reported toe issue. However, Daicos confirmed the concern was only minor and his return to full fitness would be swift.
"Mihocek's really good. I think he got stomped on but he's pretty sore after most games," Daicos said.
"He does really well to front up each week. Like I said, that week off will be instrumental for his recovery and I'm sure we'll see him on the track."
The Magpies will take on the winner of the QClash semi-final next weekend in the club's 12th preliminary final this century, with a second Grand Final appearance in three seasons beckoning.
