Daniel Wells tracking nicely for 2018 after calf injuries hampered debut Collingwood season

DANIEL Wells gave the Pies a glimpse of his ability in 10 matches last season. Twelve months on and injury free, there’s good reason Collingwood fans can be looking forward to 2018.

Daniel Wells at Pies training last week. Picture: Getty Images

DANIEL Wells is on track to be a more-permanent member of the Collingwood midfield in 2018 but remains acutely aware he is just one wrong move away from re-injuring his dodgy calves.

Wells, 32, is injury free and tucking into pre-season training with the Pies, but is understandably taking a cautious approach given his recent injury history.

Last December he was steadily preparing for his Magpie debut before pinging a calf and enduring a wretched run in his first season at the Holden Centre.

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Last year’s pre-Christmas hiccup was the last thing Wells or the Pies needed, the blow severely hampering his preparations for 2017.

He then re-injured a calf in Round 11 with the setback putting the slows not only on the former Kangaroo, but also the Pies’ season.

“There’s still the unknown,” Wells said of his calf worries on the Pies’ website.

“You can put as much work (in) as possible but still at times you can get caught on the wrong angle and it can go.

“But I haven’t felt it at all, I’ve felt pretty strong and it’s the least of my worries at the moment.”

"It's the least of my worries at the moment," Daniel Wells provides a full update on his troublesome calf. Watch tonight at 7pm on #TheGrind. pic.twitter.com/qcUKD4utz9

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) December 16, 2017

Wells managed 10 matches in 2017 with his presence seemingly a barometer for Nathan Buckley’s team.

He made his Collingwood debut in Round 5 — the Anzac Day clash with the Bombers — and played in eight of his club’s nine wins.

His poise and precision by foot was noticeable when on the park, his 34-disposal, three-goal game in the Round 19 draw with Adelaide — which earned him three Brwonlow votes — highlighting his ability to impact games.

Buckley and Pies fans will need the 253-game veteran’s body to stand up if the club is to make a play for September.

Daniel Wells sliced and diced the Crows. Picture: AAP

Speaking to The Grind, Wells said he remained wary of the ease with which he could again find himself confined to rehab.

“The times it (calf) went, I felt great,” he said.

“You’re sort of a bit scared when you come back into training and then playing games, you’re just not quite sure.

“But this year it’s been pretty steady.”

Originally published as Daniel Wells tracking nicely for 2018 after calf injuries hampered debut Collingwood season