Young Collingwood defender Charlie Dean will have to continue to wait for his AFL debut, after suffering another injury setback in relation to his return from a foot fracture.
The 20-year-old was picked up by the Magpies after a stunning season for Williamstown in the VFL last year and was reportedly tracking to play in Round 1 this year if not for the injury.
AFL.com.au'sย Josh Gabelich has reported Dean will meet with a surgeon next week and is expected to be unavailable for selection until Round 14 at the earliest.
The frustrating setback for the young recruit also comes as Brodie Grundy is set to be out for up to twelve weeks, meaning his services as a 195cm big man - albeit primarily in defence - may have been called upon.
Frustrating news for new Pie Charlie Dean. The VFL recruit has suffered a setback in his return from a foot fracture. Set to meet with the surgeon next week. Not expected to be available until Rd 14 at the earliest @AFLcomau
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) April 28, 2022
Dean re-signed with the club earlier this month alongside Jack Ginnivan and Aiden Begg, and is set to be a part of the Magpies' fortunes for several years to come, despite the latest injury woes.ย
"Charlie unfortunately was tracking to play round one but had a crack in a foot bone that required surgery. He impressed in the VFL last year for Williamstown and has been nothing but impressive in his short time here with us," Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said speaking to SEN at the time of signing.
"We envisage these boys will be the foundation of the side for the next decade."
Begg frames as a potential replacement for Grundy in the coming weeks as he too eyes an AFL debut, with the Magpies needing to fill the voids of their star ruckman and recruit Nathan Kreuger.
Collingwood will host Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday at 1:10pm.
