ADAM Treloar is facing a race against time to feature in Collingwood’s likely finals charge.
It’s understood Treloar’s latest hamstring setback, initially thought to be “minor” by coach Nathan Buckley, will ultimately sideline him for 5-6 weeks. But the midfielder is expected to make it back as one of three big inclusions for the Pies on the eve of the finals.
Jeremy Howe (knee) and Jordan De Goey (finger) are considered highly likely to play again this year in what would be a huge boost for Nathan Buckley’s side. Treloar had got himself into peak condition before suffering his latest soft tissue injury against Sydney at the Gabba on August 6.
The luckless midfielder had already been hit with separate hamstring and calf strains this season.
Unless something changes, Treloar is expected to be available for selection by mid-September – right at the end of the home and away season.
Despite his struggles, Treloar is motivated and desperate to get back. As is his close mate Howe, with the pair doing a lot of their rehab together at the club’s Queensland base.
Howe is said to be weeks ahead of schedule in his recovery from a ruptured PCL and medial ligament damage suffered in a gruesome collision against GWS on June 26.
Despite major doubts he would make it back this season, the athletic defender’s rate of recovery has stunned observers.
A chance meeting last month with members of Essendon’s medical team in the Gold Coast “transition hub” saw the Bombers staff surprised with how much progress he had made.
De Goey is all but certain to return for the business end of the season after undergoing surgery in Perth on July 17 to repair the flexor tendon in his right middle finger.
The forward, who kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance against the Cats in Round 7, has been able to maintain fitness while sidelined.
The trio’s progress comes as Collingwood gets set to potentially welcome back all of Darcy Moore, Scott Pendlebury, Jamie Elliott and Will Hoskin-Elliott for the important clash with Melbourne on Saturday.