Collingwood coach Craig McRae has offered an update on a key trio of injured Pies.
While the Magpies are almost at full fitness, they’re without Dan McStay who suffered an ACL injury in November and Nathan Murphy who is slowly making his way to full contact after suffering another concussion in last year’s Grand Final.
McRae detailed where McStay and Murphy are at in their recovery while Jeremy Howe looks set to be named to face Sydney this Friday after missing the Opening Round loss to GWS with a calf injury.
Daniel McStay (knee)
“Dan's going really well,” McRae told SEN The Run Home.
“He ran at 100 per cent the other day. He's doing a lot of gymnastics stuff.
“He looks really strong. We’re never going to put ceilings on him.
“He's still got a lot of hurdles to jump, but right now he is at 100 per cent running intensity in straight lines obviously.
“He's in good shape.”
Jeremy Howe (calf)
“Jeremy got through training today and it looks like we'll select him.
‘It's just how he pulls up tomorrow and he's got a bit to get through.
“But it was pleasing he got through training.”
Nathan Murphy (concussion)
“Well, he's on a program that's going to run over a series of weeks to introduce him back to full contact.
“He did his first physical contact session today and we’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow then assess.
“Every session has a point where he’s got a marker you have got to meet. Then we’ll keep moving (to the next).
“We’re not in a hurry. There's no pressure on him for time.
“It's just a matter of building up.”
Collingwood face Sydney at the MCG on Friday night where they’ll unfurl their 2023 premiership flag in front of their fans.
