Daniel Wells among Collingwood’s best in VFL loss to Footscray
Collingwood’s VFL team might have been belted but most eyes were on some big names running around at the lower level. And veteran Pie Daniel Wells was front and centre.
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Collingwood midfielder Daniel Wells has taken another step towards a long-awaited AFL return after a successful comeback in the VFL on Friday night.
The 62-point defeat against Footscray at Olympic park was Wells’ first hit-out in nearly 12 months since suffering a Licfranc injury in his left foot in the Queen’s Birthday clash last year.
The 34-year-old made it through the contest unscathed, playing about 70 per cent game time and appearing to show no signs of the injury that has sidelined him for nearly a year.
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Wells collected 11 disposals in the second quarter and finished the game with 23 touches and kicked a goal in the 17.10 (112) to 6.4 (40) loss.
Collingwood VFL coach Jared Rivers said Wells would continue to find his touch in the state league before an AFL return was considered.
“He played out the full game and just good to see him back running around,” Rivers said.
“He hasn’t played a lot of footy for a long time and the significance of that injury, I think he needs to play at least another couple of weeks, I would say.
“There’s no point rushing him back with where he’s at age-wise, you just don’t want him to come back too early.
“Hopefully he can get three or four games of VFL and then put his hand up.”
Ben Reid kicked two goals to be the only multiple goalkicker, while Tyson Goldsack had 14 touches.
Collingwood was without Tyler Brown (shoulder) and Jack Madgen (concussion) in the second half.
Western Bulldogs forward Tom Boyd also made his return from a serious back injury that has sidelined him since Round 18 last year.
The premiership hero was a focal point in attack but had just four disposals.
Lucas Webb continued his impressive return from a neck injury, finishing as Footscray’s leading possession winner with 28 touches.
But Fergus Greene was taken off in the arms of the trainers in the third quarter and left the game on crutches with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.
Jackson Trengove had 26 disposals and Lin Jong marked his return from a pre-season hamstring injury with 21 possessions.
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