Embattled Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy has reportedly avoided another concussion after footage of a concerning incident arose from the Magpies' match practice.
The reigning premiers conducted a game simulation at club headquarters on Friday as part of their continued 2024 title defence preparations.
The footage depicts Nick Daicos bringing Murphy to the ground in a tackle, appearing to drive the defender head-first into the Olympic Park turf.
The 24-year-old was assisted from the ground and assessed by Collingwood's medical staff for approximately 15 minutes before being cleared to return to action; a relieving outcome for all involved, but especially Murphy.
Nathan Murphy has survived a concussion scare after being driven head first into the ground in a dangerous tackle at Collingwood training.
It wasn't the only friendly fire with tensions flaring between a couple of superstars. @xandermcg9 #9News pic.twitter.com/gnUlVg6MU0
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) January 26, 2024
The standout key-position stopper has had more than his fair share of concussion-related setbacks in years gone by, with the AFL's concussion panel recently called upon to make a medical recommendation regarding the future of the Magpie's professional career.
The call was made after Murphy was concussed in the first quarter of the 2023 Grand Final, an incident that saw the defender ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Murphy, who was cleared to return to Magpies training in December, has suffered a worrying ten concussions, including early last season when he was struck off-ball by St Kilda's Anthony Caminiti in April.
Former Sydney defender Paddy McCartin, another unfortunate frequent concussion victim, retired from the AFL last season due to repeated head knocks.
Elsewhere at Collingwood, veteran defender Jeremy Howe is free from his rehabilitative arm sleeve, having fully recovered from his gruesome injury in Round 1 last year that resulted in three separate breaks in his arm and sidelined him for 13 games last season.
Howe, who says he's happy to be positionally versatile, is expecting to remain in Collingwood's defence this upcoming season.
"I'm playing a little bit down forward at the moment but don't expect to see me down there (too often)," the 33-year-old said on Friday.
"My primary role will be down back again and if they need me to [go forward and] kick a couple of goals I'm more than happy to chuck my hand up."
Howe played every Pies game from Round 15 onwards, including the club's victorious effort against Brisbane in the big dance.
The Magpies will continue their pre-season preparations with practice matches against North Melbourne and Richmond before travelling to play GWS in the Opening Round.
