Injured Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe has leapt to his club's training programs amid a growing concern about the injuries during the pre-season.
Howe (calf), along with Darcy Moore (calf) and Daniel McStay (hamstring), suffered fresh problems in the new year, while Isaac Quaynor (hamstring) and Beau McCreery (foot) are building back up their loads.
In addition to the veterans sidelined, 2023 Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill is also away, with the club granting him personal leave.
It comes as clubs and the AFL have received scrutiny for the amount of time off in between seasons, which former Pies sports science director David Buttifant says could contribute to the number of injuries.
However, Howe believes "autonomy in programs and trust" is needed in the professional sporting environment.
"Our programs are second to none," Howe said on SEN.
"There's no one to hold your hand throughout that period, so it's up to you how much work you want to get in. There's an expectation that you come back ready to train. Where in an industry where, if you fall behind, it's almost impossible to catch up.
"We try and get together and make sure everyone is doing the right thing, but you don't want to be holding their hands. There's got to be an element of trust with what you're doing away from the club when no one is watching."
As for his own progression through his injury, Howe detailed what the next fortnight looks like after his soft-tissue issue, declaring, "it's not a good thing".
"For me, it's deload for seven days, then build straight back up," he said.
"It's not a good thing, but I've been exposed to the best part of a dozen calves through my career, so we've got a pretty clear plan as to what gets be back as quick as possible.
"Doing one in early Jan is not the worst. We've got a plan for me to get back into full training, and I'm not going to miss any scratchies or intra-clubs or anything like that, which is pleasing."
