AFL Daily: Daniel Wells could be finals X-factor, rolling footy news for Thursday, July 18, 2019

Injury-cursed Collingwood midfielder Daniel Wells has stepped up his training and Nathan Buckley has no doubt he can be a factor in the finals. RECAP TODAY'S FOOTY NEWS

Collingwood veteran Daniel Wells is stepping up his training, with the Magpies still hopeful the midfielder can play a role in a potential finals campaign.

In his only game this year, Wells damaged the posterior and medial ligaments in his left knee after being tackled by Sydney’s Jackson Thurlow in Round 10.

Wells had gathered 11 disposals and kicked three goals before the third-quarter incident in what was his return from a long-term foot injury which had sidelined him for almost 12 months.

Asked if Wells was any chance to be part of a finals campaign, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said today there was little doubt.

“Yes, he is, and that’s his endeavour and has been ours for the whole recovery,” Buckley said.

“I’ve got no doubt that the cameo – it was more than a cameo, wasn’t it – in the Sydney game whet his and our appetite for it, of being able to return at the back end of the year at some point.

“He’s doing everything in his power and is actually moving okay. He’s taking the steps ahead of schedule and still with the belief and the vision of being able to get back.”

Wells, 34, has played just 15 games since joining Collingwood for the 2017 season, however the Magpies have posted 11 wins and a draw from those matches.

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Originally published as AFL Daily: Daniel Wells could be finals X-factor, rolling footy news for Thursday, July 18, 2019

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