Collingwood will head into their Friday night showdown against Hawthorn without defensive linchpin Brayden Maynard, who suffered a torn plantar fascia in the early stages of last weekend’s win over North Melbourne.
The 28-year-old was forced off within minutes of the match starting, and subsequent scans have confirmed a rupture to the plantar fascia in his foot.
It's a setback that reopens a familiar wound; Maynard has battled similar issues over the past 18 months. There is, however, hope he could return for the highly anticipated King’s Birthday clash against Melbourne in round 13.
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With Collingwood due for a bye in round 14, there’s little incentive to rush him back sooner than necessary. The premiership defender is currently a free agent.
Pendlebury, Moore, Schultz in line for return
Despite Maynard’s absence, the Magpies could be bolstered by the return of several key names this weekend.
Club captain Darcy Moore is likely to be back in the line-up after recovering from an AC joint injury that kept him out for two games. Steele Sidebottom, managed last week due to a lingering back problem, is also expected to feature.
Lachie Schultz is progressing through concussion protocols after a head knock against Fremantle and remains on track to face Hawthorn.
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There were last-minute changes for Collingwood ahead of the North Melbourne game, with the club receiving AFL exemption to bring in Oleg Markov for Bobby Hill, who withdrew due to personal reasons.
Scott Pendlebury also missed out after being ruled out late with gastro.
The reigning premiers have done well to cope with injuries so far this year, with fringe players like Ned Long, Ed Allan, and Lachie Sullivan making the most of their chances.
After a stuttering start to the season, Collingwood have now won nine of their last ten and sit two games inside the top four.