Collingwood coach Craig McRae assured that Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill would be ready for Monday’s King’s Birthday clash with Melbourne, despite needing assistance off the field on Thursday after rolling his ankle during training.
The Magpies are already dealing with a substantial injury list, featuring 13 players, including Jordan de Goey, Scott Pendlebury, and goalkickers Jamie Elliott and Brody Mihocek.
McRae expressed confidence that Hill, who sustained the injury late in practice, would not join the injured list, noting that no scans were necessary at this time.
“He is fine, he just tweaked his ankle a little bit,” McRae stated. “We’ve got four days before our game, so there is no concern there.”
McRae also addressed concerns regarding Jamie Elliott’s long-term future. Elliott is receiving ongoing treatment for a vascular issue that, according to former coach Nathan Buckley, once left him with a “black foot” after a game.
I don’t want to push the panic button. But Bobby hill did seem to twist his ankle and hobbled off toward end of training. Hopefully some rest and recovery will help. pic.twitter.com/cblapJrs2e
— Jen 🖤🤍 Flagpies23 🏆 (@Jen2310) June 6, 2024
The club’s medical staff announced that Jamie Elliott could return before the finals, and he was seen running on Thursday morning, a positive sign for the 31-year-old who hasn’t played since round 8.
“There was some uncertainty about Jamie’s injury timeline, but we received great news this week that his treatment has been effective,” McRae said. “He is recovering well and completed his first running session today. We hope he will be ready in six to eight weeks.”
The Magpies are also expected to have Will Hoskin-Elliott back for Monday’s game, and Nathan Kreuger might play his first game since round 7 last year after scoring three goals in the VFL last weekend.
“Kreugs has been performing well; we just need to build up his endurance. He has missed a lot of football over the years, so we needed him to get through some games. He managed a game and kicked three goals,” McRae explained. “The goals were impressive, but his overall play, including ruck duties, was notable. He will certainly be considered.”
McRae also dismissed any notion of moving captain Darcy Moore forward despite the injury issues, following Moore’s comment of “sure” when asked about the possibility earlier this week.
