Injury Update: Two to be assessed for Crows clash

Collingwood’s Head of High Performance Jarrod Wade has provided an injury and health update ahead of Collingwood’s Round 23 match against the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Collingwood’s Injury and Health Update Ahead of Adelaide Clash

Collingwood’s Head of High Performance, Jarrod Wade, has provided the latest update on the fitness of the Magpies squad as the club prepares for a blockbuster Round 23 clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. With finals just around the corner, the focus remains on managing player workloads, addressing niggling injuries, and ensuring the team is primed for September.

Wade opened by stressing that the group is in “good health overall” despite a long and demanding season. “At this stage of the year, every club is managing soreness and small setbacks. The positive for us is that the majority of our list remains available, and we’re working hard to get a few key names back into contention,” he said.

One of the biggest talking points surrounds Nick Daicos, who has been battling general soreness after a heavy run of games. Wade confirmed that Daicos has trained strongly this week and is “tracking well” to line up against the Crows. “Nick’s workload has been monitored closely. He’s freshened up across the past fortnight, and we’re confident he’ll be ready to go Saturday night.”

Darcy Moore, who has dealt with a hamstring concern earlier in the season, has also been carefully managed. Wade noted that the skipper is in a good place heading into Round 23. “Darcy’s been diligent with his rehab and conditioning all year. He’ll complete the main session today, and provided he gets through without issue, he’ll play.”

In more positive news, Jordan De Goey has shaken off a minor hip complaint that forced him to be subbed out last weekend. “It was precautionary. There was some tightness, but scans were clear. He’s moved well on the track and will be available,” Wade confirmed.

Meanwhile, Jamie Elliott remains on the comeback trail from shoulder soreness sustained a fortnight ago. While he is yet to be locked in, Wade said Elliott is “very close” to a return. “We’ll make a final call after the captain’s run, but Jamie’s progressed well. The medical team is pleased with his strength and range of motion.”

The only longer-term absentee continues to be Nathan Murphy, who has been sidelined since early in the season with concussion-related issues. Wade reiterated that the club is prioritising Murphy’s long-term wellbeing. “Nathan is still working through protocols with specialists. There’s no timeline on his return, and we’ll continue to place his health above all else.”

Wade also highlighted the efforts of the club’s conditioning staff in managing player loads leading into finals. “The Adelaide Oval trip presents unique challenges, but the group is conditioned well. Our goal is to arrive at September with a fit and firing list, and we’re on track with that.”

As Collingwood prepare for a stern test against the in-form Crows, the overall outlook remains positive. With key players on the verge of returning and others being carefully managed, Wade said the squad is “in a strong position both physically and mentally” heading into the pointy end of the season.