COLLINGWOOD have been dealt a major injury blow on the eve of the season, with Pat Lipinski undergoing more shoulder surgery.
Lipinski went under the knife on Monday and isn’t expected to return until the second half of the Pies’ home and away campaign.
It’s a frustrating setback for the midfielder, who had issues with the same left shoulder last season.
The 24-year-old underwent a shoulder reconstruction in early October having played in discomfort in Collingwood’s run to the finals.
Lipinski was said to have enjoyed an excellent pre-season despite the off-season operation, but immediately reached for his left shoulder after attempting to tackle Hawthorn’s Sam Butler in the last quarter of Thursday’s practice match in Launceston.
The former Bulldog screamed in frustration before walking straight to the bench.
Lipinksi’s running power was a big factor in Collingwood’s 2022 rise, playing every game to finish sixth in the Copeland Trophy.
His exquisite ball use saw him finish the season ranked sixth in the AFL in goal assists.
The Magpies face premiers Geelong in their season-opening game on March 17.