AFL 2024: Collingwood returns to training as train-on players make their case
Collingwood has three open spots on their list - with the chance to open up a fourth. Who leads the race to fill them? JOSH BARNES breaks down the Pies’ return to the track.
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A packed group of train-on players remain stuck in a battle to win a lucrative spot on Collingwood’s list ahead of the reopening of the summer signing period on Monday.
Footscray’s VFL captain Lachie Sullivan joined training in December, alongside Brynn Teakle, Josh Eyre, Jack Bytel, Campbell Hustwaite, and Sam Sofronidis.
From Monday, clubs with open spots can sign players to fill out their list and the Magpies currently have three open spots, with the option to create a fourth by making McStay an inactive player.
Former Port Adelaide ruck Teakle shadowed Darcy Cameron in the ruck and running to attack and defence, while Sam Sofrinidis played as a tall defender during match play.
VFL star Sullivan played out of the centre square.
MINOR INJURY HICCUPS
Brayden Maynard took his clearest steps yet towards playing in opening round by joining in drills at Collingwood training for the first time this pre-season as skipper Darcy Moore shrugged off a sore hamstring.
The reigning premier got back to work on Thursday with Moore stepping out of the first session of the year at one point to get a brief massage on his left hamstring.
The defender then stretched out the hamstring and performed squats before returning to a full-ground drill without any signs of discomfort.
Moore, who was on light duties before Christmas after wrist and ankle injuries late in the 2023 season, injured his left hamstring in round 22 last year but recovered to play in the qualifying final.
Maynard has not taken part in any drills in training during pre-season after shoulder surgery following September’s grand final triumph.
The rugged defender said before Christmas that he was confident of playing in Collingwood’s season opener against GWS Giants and moved well in kicking drills.
He and Isaac Quaynor stepped out of full-ground action to continue running separately.
Goalkicker Jamie Elliott took part in the full-ground action after also being on lighter duties before Christmas and slotted a trademark clutch goal under the pressure of some vocal teammates.
Nathan Murphy was happy to get into the thick of match play after he was cleared late last month by the AFL’s concussion panel to carry on his football career.
Josh Daicos and Brody Mihocek worked to their own program away from the main group while injured forward Dan McStay made an appearance, taking photos with some fans.
Footy boss Graham Wright locked in conversation with president Jeff Browne for much of training, with Wright due to step away form his post before the season to head on a sabbatical overseas.
SPECIAL GUEST
A regular on the running track around Collingwood’s training oval, Olympian Peter Bol powered through some running as the Magpies warmed up.
The star 800m dasher pushed through a tough running session before hopping on an electric scooter and heading down Olympic Blvd.
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