Lynden Dunn in the box seat for Pies recall despite two knee reconstructions
Lynden Dunn has endured a hellish time with two ACLs since his last game midway through 2018 for the Pies, but they are set to take him back after delisting the veteran at the end of last season.
Collingwood
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Only an unexpected injury in the next six weeks will prevent Lynden Dunn from securing another rookie list spot at Collingwood as a backup defender.
Dunn, 32, needs only four more games to reach the 200-game milestone as he recovers from a pair of knee reconstructions suffered at the Pies.
The ex-Demons full back was delisted by the Pies at the end of last season after a second knee reconstruction in March while pushing hard to play Round 1.
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He had initially torn his ACL in Round 15, 2018, after playing a stellar role as a key back in a Pies side marching towards a finals appearance.
Dunn is only expected back into full training in mid-February but has been told by the Pies they will ease him back in rather than pushing him so he can prove his worth.
He is the only extra player training with the club to be elevated onto the supplemental list, with the Pies to make an official decision by March 15.
The popular clubman will secure that role given the Pies believe he adds valuable defensive depth as a long-kicking player who can take on rival full forwards.
They have told him to methodically progress his knee rather than taking risks to show he is capable of playing in 2020.
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Collingwood has beefed up its defensive stocks with Darcy Moore enjoying excellent form in 2019 and ex-Bulldog Jordan Roughead playing a key role for the Pies at full back.
High-leaping defender Jeremy Howe also enjoyed excellent form, while Tom Langdon will ease back after his own knee issues.
A 12-month return from his most recent knee reconstruction would see Dunn back around Round 1 given he injured his knee in a VFL practice match at Punt Road on March 28 last year.
The Pies play Marsh Community Series games against Richmond (March 1) and St Kilda (March 8).
Dayne Beams remains on personal leave while Levi Greenwood will miss the early stages of the season after an ACL injury in the qualifying final.
Originally published as Lynden Dunn in the box seat for Pies recall despite two knee reconstructions