Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe has provided an update on the status of injured star backman Brayden Maynard after he left Saturday's clash against North Melbourne in the first quarter.
Maynard confirmed post-game that he likely ruptured the plantar fascia ligament, which Howe suspected would cost him about a month on the sidelines.
However, Collingwood should have many troops returning in the near future after seven key players missed their Round 10 clash, including Scott Pendlebury (illness), Steele Sidebottom (managed), Darcy Moore (shoulder) and Lachie Schultz (concussion).
"I think there's a few guys who would be close [to returning]," Howe told media on Monday.
"Lachie Schultz seems to be ticking off a lot of what's required. Maynard sounds like two to six weeks. The skipper [Darcy Moore] should be available. Pendlebury has been crook but [will return]. There's a number of guys ready to come back in that can make us better instantly."
Howe was confident Collingwood's depth would be able to cover for Maynard in his absence, despite the pivotal role Maynard plays, averaging 348 metres gained and 3.3 rebound 50s per game.
The confidence comes off the back of that resounding 45-point win over North Melbourne after Maynard left the game early, also Collingwood's first win without Pendlebury and Sidebottom in the lineup since Round 13, 2009.
"We've got guys like Oleg Markov, who's in good VFL form," Howe said. "Wil Parker as well and Jakob Ryan who has been dominating down there for a long period of time.
"The depth of our list is really strong at the moment, so regardless of who's playing, whether you're young or old or more experienced or not, our performances aren't fluctuating and that's a good thing."
Howe also praised Frampton for his recent run of form, which was epitomised by holding Kangaroos key forward Nick Larkey to just two shots at goal, his lowest for the season.
"Billy Frampton has been super. He's spent a fair bit of time in the VFL program and has been knocking down the door for such a long period of time," Howe added.
"His influence on games at the moment, playing on the best key forward, has been really important. We build off the back of what he's been able to do for us.
"On the weekend, what he was able to do on one of the best key forwards in the competition in Larkey, who's given us some trouble in the past... was a major factor in keeping him to one goal. We're certainly a better side defensively when he's playing."
Collingwood will face Hawthorn in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG, looking to avoid a similar upset to last season's Round 19 clash, where Hawthorn's small forwards ran rampant over the Pies' backline in a 66-point victory.
