Key Collingwood players Beau McCreery and Jeremy Howe are progressing positively in their recovery ahead of the pre-season Community Series, with the pair joining in the Magpies' intra-club match simulation on Monday morning.
McCreery has been battling a foot injury that he sustained ahead of the Magpies' 2025 finals campaign, while Howe looks close to overcoming a calf strain he suffered in January.
McCreery and Howe, along with Isaac Quaynor and Dan McStay, completed max-effort sprints to begin the session, with McCreery notably flying along the wings of Olympic Park to prove himself fit.
It's a positive sign for the Magpies faithful who came out to spectate the session, given the importance that McCreery's run-and-gun edge and high-intensity defensive pressure bring to the black and white outfit.
Howe balanced his time between the main group and the rehab cohort, but looked comfortable in the air in his time competing in the scratch match, taking a pair of clinical intercept marks.
McStay was among the main group for the first half of the session, completing the club's fundamental skill drills, but joined a hefty rehab group for running while the rest engaged in the practice game.
The group included recently sidelined defender Brayden Maynard, who was back on track after suffering a quad injury last Friday, albeit to complete light running duties.
Additionally, Harry DeMattia, Charlie West, Lachie Sullivan, Dan Houston and Reef McInnes completed running drills to varying intensity as they aim to overcome their respective injury woes.
Darcy Moore's latest setback was also apparent, as he completed basic mobility drills as he battles a persistent calf injury.
