Nathan Buckley says Jeremy Howe will return to face Demons but uncertainty over Ben Reid

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley knows it’s going to be big. And he hopes to have two of his most important players back for his side’s Queen’s Birthday blockbuster with the Demons.

Nathan Buckley talks with Jeremy Howe. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COLLINGWOOD expects to regain high-flying defender Jeremy Howe for Monday’s Queen’s Birthday blockbuster against his old side Melbourne, but Ben Reid remains in some doubt almost a week out from the game.

Magpie coach Nathan Buckley said the prospect of taking on — and potentially beating — one of AFL’s leading contenders in the first half of the season was significant with the players looking forward to the occasion in front of a packed MCG crowd.

“This game is another test against a side who have proven to be a top four side over the first half of the year,” Buckley said. “That is significant in itself …”

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“It has become a marquee game over a decade or so, even longer, but it has been awhile since both teams have been in contention or (possible) finals teams. Neither of us have proven that at this point, but recent form would suggest we are both tracking OK.”

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley thinks Jeremy Howe will be back to face the Demons. Pic: AAP

The Demons sit in third spot with an 8-3 win-loss ledger, while the Magpies are one win and percentage behind, in seventh spot.

Buckley stressed the squad of 26 named on Thursday night would only be a provisional one, given the gap between now and game time on Monday.

“Howey is likely, Reidy is more touch and go,” Buckley said when asked about likely inclusions this week. “We’ve still got a long week (ahead).

“I think we have to put in a squad on Thursday night, which is closer to our last game than our next game. We will have 26 in, but that won’t necessarily be an indication where it finishes. We have still got a few training sessions to get through.”

Howe missed last week’s game against Fremantle with bone bruising to his knee and is expected to prove his fitness. Reid missed three games with an Achilles issue before returning against the Bulldogs, but he was not right to take on the Dockers.

Asked if Reid and four-goal debutant Brody Mihocek could play in the same forward set-up, Buckley said: “Probably not. We play a 2-4 forward line more often than not. That’s our preferred structure. But never say never.”

Brody Mihocek (centre) was popular after kicking his first career goal last week. Pic: Getty Images

Ben Reid is less certain to face the Dees. Pic: Michael Klein

But he stressed that Mihocek was mobile enough to be considered in other roles too.

He said it was fitting Monday’s marquee game will its own “marquee matchup” between Brody Grundy and Max Gawn, one that could help determine the All-Australian ruckman by season’s end.

“Brody’s recent form has been first class, and Max is having a standout year,” he said. “That is where the game starts and it is where it goes back to after every goal.

“I think both of them, in their way, have really started their team’s prospects.

“There is no way of avoiding that, they both don’t mind the pressure and responsibility that comes with it.”

Buckley is pleased with the even spread of goals his team has had this season, meaning they don’t rely on one or two players to kick a winning score.

He pointed to the fact that the Magpies didn’t have anyone in the top bracket in the Coleman Medal race, with Will Hoskin-Elliott (23 goals) in equal 10th spot.

Howe has fond memories of last year’s Queen’s Birthday clash. Picture: Mark Stewart

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Originally published as Nathan Buckley says Jeremy Howe will return to face Demons but uncertainty over Ben Reid