Recent Collingwood imports Patrick Lipinski and Nathan Krueger have made early exits from the Pies' AAMI Community Series clash against GWS under separate injury clouds.
Lipinski was the first to depart Giants Stadium after being taken to the away side's changing rooms mid-way through the second quarter.
The 23-year-old was assisted across the boundary line in the hands of the trainers after appearing to roll his ankle whilst contesting for the ball on the outer wing.
The ex-Bulldog reemerged from the rooms minutes later, but proceeded to remove his boots and took up a place at the back of the Magpies' bench prior to half-time.
Following the half-time break, Collingwood confirmed that the 56-gamer would be placed on ice for the remainder of the afternoon.
Lippa won't return today (ankle). Life ain't fair.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 6, 2022
Mere minutes later, former Cat Nathan Kreuger collided with Giants' hardman Callan Ward, with the pair left prone on the turf following a clash of heads.
While Krueger's choice to bump rather than tackle the ex-Dog may well be looked at by the Match Review Office, the 22-year-old was helped up and off the ground after appearing to have knocked himself out in the contest.
Huge collision between Nathan Kreuger and Callan Ward, forcing Kreuger from the game.
✍🏻 BLOG https://t.co/ZyEpFKUaCj
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📺 WATCH on @kayosports https://t.co/0vFjIVjn5Z pic.twitter.com/hM5AAA1s6n— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 6, 2022
With the AFL's mandatory 12-day protocols meaning Kreuger will be forced to bide his time ahead of Round 1, the fact that Collingwood will face St Kilda on the final day of this medical layoff period could still see the South Australian make a black and white debut this month.
Both Lipinski and Kreuger joined Craig McRae's side this off-season, with the Pies parting with picks 43 and 41 respectively to secure the pair's services.
Although Kreuger remains a live chance to line up at Marvel Stadium on Friday, March 18, the big man's teammate Brayden Maynard appears likely to be watching on from the stands.
The captaincy aspirant's rogue spoil on Giants forward Daniel Lloyd is certain to have piqued the interest of the MRO, especially considering Lloyd was forced out of action due to the collision.
Brayden Maynard might be missing some time after this contest on Daniel Lloyd.
✍🏻 BLOG https://t.co/ZyEpFKUaCj
📱 STATS https://t.co/cqAGITZUI7
📺 WATCH on @kayosports https://t.co/0vFjIVjn5Z pic.twitter.com/7F78GHfOs8— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 6, 2022
Given fellow backs Jordan Roughead and recent recruit Charlie Dean will be unavailable for the clash against the Saints due to injury, each of Maynard, McRae and the Magpie Army will be waiting for a verdict with bated breath.
In a further hit to Collingwood's defensive stocks, blossoming interceptor Nathan Murphy appeared to jar his left knee and roll his adjoining ankle in the shadows of three-quarter time.
In a similar fashion to Lipinski and Kreuger before him, the 22-year-old was aided over the boundary line by the club's medical staff.
Visibly in pain and unable to place any weight onto the joint, it appears likely that Murphy will face a delayed start to his fifth campaign in black and white bars.
Injury updates from Fly:
Murphy + Lipinksi: ankle issues, scans tomorrow to understand the severity.
Kreuger: Concussion. Unsure how bad but will have the required week off.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 6, 2022
The Sandringham Dragons product has played 17 senior games and made his debut against Port Adelaide at the MCG during Round 22 of the 2018 season.
Thankfully, Jeremy Howe is expected to return for Round 1 after making progress with his previous groin complaint.