Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe says he's aiming for a return to football by the first week of finals.
Howe told Gerard Whateley on SEN that he's confident about making it back out onto the field following his knee injury against the GWS Giants in Round 4.
“As long as it’s tracking the way that it is I’m a high chance," he said on SEN's Whateley.
“I think the first final would be the realistic target, if you’re lucky, then maybe the last game.
“In my circumstance, I can’t really afford a setback (but) I’m feeling extremely confident about it."
Howe said the usual timeframe for a return from a PCL reconstruction is five months but he is ahead of schedule.
“I had a full PCL reconstruction and the MCL reattached. It’s quite a significant recovery period, it’s a 20-22 week timeframe," he said.
“Speaking with the surgeon as well, you have to let it heal but you can continually progress as long as there’s no swelling and the pain is okay.
“We can see where we can get to and at this stage it’s progressing really well and ahead of schedule."
The 30-year old said he has returned to training and is already back running.
“I’ve been able to do plenty of leg weight sessions," he said.
“The strength has come back and the range is getting there and I’ve ticked off a few runs now."
Howe said he's been fortunate to have had a good run with injury throughout his career and is glad to be reunited with the playing group, but missed the small things while he was away.
“It’s not ideal but I’ve been pretty lucky for the first nine years of my career," he said.
“It was the small things you miss (being injured).
“We had a few guys debut and not being able to be there for the jumper presentations were probably the small moments you miss in footy."
Collingwood 'host' North Melbourne on Monday night at the Gabba.