AFL 2025: Collingwood key forward edges closer to return from injury

Collingwood could receive a big boost for its King’s Birthday clash against Melbourne, with one of its key forwards edging closer to a return.

Collingwood forward Dan McStay is closing in on a return in the King’s Birthday clash with Melbourne on Monday.

McStay sustained an MCL tear to his left knee in the Magpies’ win over Essendon on Anzac Day.

The addition of McStay would be a timely boost to the Magpies front half after small forward Lachie Schultz injured his hamstring against Hawthorn last Friday.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says McStay’s “magnet is getting really close”.

“There’s a big chance Dan will be available, we’re not quite ready to announce that, he’s still got a little to go, we train Friday and then again Sunday,” he said.

Dan McStay would be a welcome boost after the loss of Lachie Schultz. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“But his magnet is getting really close to being considered, just a couple of little things to tick off before we can announce that.”

Bobby Hill was absent from Collingwood’s main training on Wednesday morning to deal with a family illness.

But, barring any curveballs to his own health, McRae expects Hill to front the Dees for his 100th game.

“Bobby’s wife and kids are sick, he’s home looking after them, we give him compassionate leave to do those (things),” he said.

“One of our welfare team went and trained with him this afternoon, hopefully he plays his 100th game this weekend.

“At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case.”

Craig McRae expects Hill to play despite missing training on Wednesday. Picture: Michael Klein

The Fight MND cause extended beyond the occasion and Neale Daniher for McRae a couple of years ago, when his brother in-law, Pat, was diagnosed with MND.

“Yeah it is close to home, Pat got diagnosed literally the MND round a couple years ago,” McRae said.

“He’s my wife’s brother, it’s a tough one, like Bec (Daniher) said, the sea blue beanies is going to offer home – that’s Pat’s words.

“Maybe it’s not in his lifetime but there’s an opportunity to pay it forward for the possibility of the future.

“The work the Daniher’s have done and he’s speaking to us, to hear his wisdom, his want and desire for a cure.

“11 years he’s been fighting this beast and every year it feels like we’re getting behind it more and more.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Collingwood key forward edges closer to return from injury