Collingwood has been boosted by the news Brayden Maynard will be fit to feature in Opening Round, while another star is firming to face the GWS Giants.
Maynard went under the knife for a shoulder reconstruction in November and has recovered ahead of schedule. He’s participated in all full contact drills across the last fortnight and while he won’t face North Melbourne in a practice match on Wednesday, the 27-year-old is being prepped to face Richmond the following week.
Craig McRae’s Magpies play GWS to open their season on March 9. Maynard could be joined in that match by key forward Brody Mihocek, who had been sidelined by a calf injury.
Collingwood hopes their 2023 leading goal kicker will play some game time against the Tigers and be fit for Opening Round. Both Maynard and Mihocek have played at least 21 games in each of their last three seasons.
While they won’t play against the Roos, Pies fans will get their first taste of Josh Daicos as the reigning best and fairest winner steps out after an interrupted pre-season.
Premiership defender Nathan Murphy, 2023 draftee Harry DeMattia (finger), and SSP pick Josh Eyre (hamstring) are all in various stages of returning to full training, with the former working on improving his confidence after a concussion on Grand Final day last year.
The Pies host North Melbourne at the AIA Centre from 10:00am on Wednesday morning.