Injury Update: Emerging Pies close in on return, Club debut on the cards

Collingwood’s Head of High Performance Jarrod Wade has provided an Injury Update ahead of Thursday’s ANZAC Day clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Collingwood’s Head of High Performance Jarrod Wade has provided an Injury Update ahead of Thursday’s ANZAC Day clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Ruckman Oscar Steene has undergone surgery on the toe he injured in the VFL two weeks ago. The injury sustained is unique, with the timeframe for recovery still to be determined, although it is set to be longer term – at least three months or more.

Harry DeMattia (finger), Nathan Kreuger (calf) and Jakob Ryan (hand) have all returned to full training from their respective injuries. Each player has completed different levels of running loads, with their return to be determined based on the quality of work they have completed at the end of the week. It’s expected the trio will have a staggered return over this week and next week in the VFL.

Tall Josh Eyre is progressing strongly in his return from the hamstring injury he suffered during pre-season. He is at 85 to 90 percent speed and is now focused on increasing the amount of speed hits across the week, moving from one session to two sessions a week.

The 21-year-old is close to match-like running loads reaching up to 12 to 13km in a session, while focusing on progressing and maintaining his speed and strength. It’s expected the defender is still at least four weeks away from returning.

After spending some time away from the program last week to manage his load and freshen up, Dan McStay has returned to the program and to the level he was at before his break. The forward is in non-contact training and will increase the reactive agility work he is currently undergoing as well as his running loads.

His overall recovery is progressing really well. If he can comfortably complete another three to four weeks of his current program, including high agility and building running loads, he is expected to be integrated into some contact training.