Collingwood match sim: Chris Cavanagh’s notes from Magpies AFL pre-season session

Collingwood’s defence is set for a shake up, with a new face looming as a key part of the club’s backline in 2025. Check out the latest track intel from CHRIS CAVANAGH.

Collingwood star Jordan De Goey is still working his way back to fitness after a recent injury setback as the Magpies build towards their first pre-season match.

De Goey — who had recovered from groin and adductor woes which hampered him last season — had planned to be back in full training over recent days as he worked to overcome a minor bone bruise in his knee.

However, the 28-year-old only took part in one of three 25-minute periods of match simulation with teammates on Saturday morning.

He then headed inside to watch the remainder of the session alongside coach Craig McRae.

De Goey was covering the ground well when he was on the track, linking up with Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury and slotting an early goal.

The midfielder-forward said earlier this month there was “no rush” to feature in pre-season hitouts as he looks to fully heal without wanting to “risk anything”.

Collingwood will travel to Queensland on Monday for a five-day camp, which will include match simulation against the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Thursday.

The Magpies then meet Richmond in an official pre-season clash at Ikon Park on February 26.

Tim Membrey spoils Charlie Dean during Saturday’s session. Picture: David Crosling

DELIGHTFUL DAICOS

He is favourite to win this year’s Brownlow Medal — and it is easy to see why.

Nick Daicos has put any concerns about a plantar fasciitis issue well and truly behind him, as he continues to set the standards on the training track.

Daicos racked up an astronomical number of touches during match simulation on Saturday, running hard both ways and racking up plenty of one-two’s.

He looks to be working particularly well with new recruit Dan Houston, with the pair finding each other by hand and foot on numerous occasions across halfback.

Daicos finished second in last year’s Brownlow Medal count with 38 votes, behind Carlton captain Patrick Cripps who polled a record 45 votes.

Jordan De Goey and Craig McRae keep an eye on proceedings. Picture: David Crosling

REEF GOING NICELY

Former forward Reef McInnes looks poised to be part of the Magpies’ starting backline this year as he continues to show impressive signs of development in his new role.

McInnes — who kicked three goals as a forward in two separate matches last season — featured as the deepest defender in the stronger backline during match simulation on Saturday.

He spent time playing on Tim Membrey and Brody Mihocek and looked rock solid, taking multiple intercept marks on top of strong one-on-one work.

The 22-year-old inked a new one-year deal last October, having played just 20 games across his first four seasons at the Magpies.

McInnes could double that games tally this year if he keeps performing the way he has been on the track.

Billy Frampton rises to spoil. Picture: David Crosling

Collingwood training. Saturday, February 15. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

STILL A WAY AWAY

It remains a mystery when we will see Brownlow Medal winner Tom Mitchell back in action this year as he very slowly works his way back from a foot flare up before Christmas.

The Magpies have not put a timeline on the midfielder’s return and he remains in the rehabilitation group.

Mitchell completed some drills and running on Saturday morning but is still yet to resume any match simulation.

The 31-year-old featured in only six games early last year before missing the rest of the season with the foot issue.

Originally published as Collingwood match sim: Chris Cavanagh’s notes from Magpies AFL pre-season session