Jarrod Wade, Collingwood’s Head of High-Performance, has issued an injury update ahead of the upcoming Round Four match against Hawthorn.
Forward Nathan Kreuger has successfully completed his rehabilitation program following a hamstring injury sustained in the pre-season. The 24-year-old has met the necessary gym and running-based criteria, and pending his clearance for match play during training this week, he will be eligible for selection.
Meanwhile, young ruck Oscar Steene remains in the process of completing the 12-step concussion protocols after experiencing concussion from a head knock during a VFL pre-season game. The 20-year-old has been participating in non-contact team training and is expected to advance through each step of the protocol in the upcoming weeks.
Harry DeMattia, last year’s draft pick 25, is progressing steadily in his recovery from a finger injury that sidelined him towards the end of the pre-season and the beginning of the season. The 18-year-old has resumed participation in football drills, with a focus on tackling and improving grip strength as key indicators for the next phase of his rehabilitation.
Josh Eyre, who was signed during the Supplementary Selection Period, has reached the midway point of his rehabilitation journey following a hamstring injury. The 199cm defender will now focus on increasing his running speed after completing an extensive volume of running in recent weeks. While the 21-year-old is still several weeks away from participating in team training, it will be at least four weeks before he can make a return to play.
Defender Nathan Murphy is continuing to work on rebuilding his confidence as he progresses in his recovery from concussion. He is engaging in both indoor and outdoor sessions with the aim of reintroducing contact and eventually returning to match play.
Key forward Dan McStay, who underwent ACL surgery four and a half months ago, has achieved significant milestones in his recovery process. He is now able to participate in low-level football drills, including simple kicking and movement exercises that do not involve extensive changes in direction or agility.
