Jarrod Wade, Collingwood’s Head of High Performance, provided an injury update ahead of the team’s upcoming match against the Brisbane Lions at the GABBA.
Forward Nathan Kreuger has made good progress in recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the pre-season. He has achieved several crucial milestones in rehabilitation in recent weeks and is on track to return to play during the week of Round Five, provided he continues to meet speed markers, an important aspect in hamstring injury recovery.
Young Ruck Oscar Steene remains in the 12-stage concussion protocol following a facial knock during a pre-season VFL practice match. He also suffered a facial fracture but has now been cleared of this injury.
Harry DeMattia’s return has been narrowed down to between Rounds Nine and Ten, as opposed to the initial estimate of between Rounds Eight and Eleven. Following a follow-up with the surgeon six weeks into his injury, DeMattia no longer requires his hand brace and can focus on rehabilitation, which includes ball handling exercises.
Although the initial prognosis suggested a twelve-week absence for DeMattia, completing ball handling and grip strength exercises over the next two weeks, followed by a return to training, could potentially reduce his total recovery time to nine or ten weeks.
Tall player Josh Eyre has resumed running and is gradually increasing his intensity as he bounces back from a hamstring injury sustained in the pre-season. Currently running at 75% speed, the 21-year-old will focus on intensifying his running regimen in the upcoming weeks, aiming for a comeback sometime between Rounds Eight and Eleven.
Nathan Murphy is working on his return to play following a concussion, focusing on regaining confidence. The defender has been participating in team training sessions, alongside regular gym workouts and running routines.
Forward Dan McStay’s recovery from an ACL injury has progressed from two running sessions per week to three, showing promising advancements in gymnastics, agility, and change of direction exercises. His rehabilitation is guided by specific criteria, allowing him to progress to the next stage of recovery once he meets certain markers, without a predetermined timeline for his return to play.
