Collingwood forward Ben Reid hopes to return against Western Bulldogs

THE news is bad for Collingwood forward Alex Fasolo but coach Nathan Buckley might plug one hole as another forward attempts to prove his fitness for Friday night’s clash with the Bulldogs.

Collingwood's Ben Reid hopes to face the Bulldogs. Pic: Michael Klein

COLLINGWOOD spearhead Ben Reid could be recalled for Friday night’s clash against Western Bulldogs if he can complete main training on Wednesday.

Reid, 29, has missed the past three games with an achilles injury but is expected to train fully with the rest of his teammates at Olympic Park today.

The gun swingman could step straight in for livewire Alex Fasolo who faces at least three months on the sidelines after suffering a serious syndesmosis ankle injury on Saturday night.

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The Magpies are hopeful the blow does not end the goal kicker’s season.

But Reid’s return would be a welcome boost for coach Nathan Buckley on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, helping stretch an already depleted Western Bulldogs back line.

Reid was put through some running sessions at training last week but was left out of the win over St Kilda as part of a cautious rehabilitation program.

Alex Fasolo is facing a long stint out. Pic: AAP

Jamie Elliott is injured — and out of contract. Pic: AAP

Collingwood has lost important forwards Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliott to repeat hamstring setbacks this season, sparking an investigation into its soft tissue injury rate.

The Pies have vowed to get to the bottom of the injury worries as they attempt to sign-up a batch of key players including Moore, Elliott, Jordan De Goey and Reid.

Free agent Reid expected to sign a one-year contract extension.

De Goey is coming off a six-goal haul against the Saints and is attracting fierce interest from rival clubs including cashed-up St Kilda and North Melbourne.

Buckley said he was impressed by his approach to the game this season after a couple of off-field indiscretions prompted the No. 5 draft pick to give up drinking alcohol this year.

Ben Reid hopes to prove his fitness. Pic: Michael Klein

Jordan De Goey is a wanted man. Pic: AAP

“Everyone’s looking for a catalytic moment … the fact is that Jordy’s kicked a bag of five and a bag of six in the last three weeks and has played some pretty good footy,” Buckley said on SEN.

“This is all growth for him. This is part of becoming the player you want to be.”

Buckley said he was unfazed by De Goey’s contract situation.

“He’s focused on improving himself as a footballer, we’re focused on giving him the best opportunity to do that,” he said.

“We can’t be anything but impressed the way he’s carrying himself and that’s a shift, that’s a positive shift.”

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Originally published as Collingwood forward Ben Reid hopes to return against Western Bulldogs