AFL 2025: Collingwood will be without two experienced defenders for a fortnight

The premiership favourites will be without two experienced defenders for a fortnight while a timeline of return on a big-game player remains undetermined.

The defensive stocks of premiership favourite Collingwood have been dealt a blow after Jeremy Howe and Dan Houston were both sidelined through injury ahead of Friday’s showdown with finals contender Fremantle.

The Magpies are also unable to pinpoint a return date for destructive but injury hindered star Jordan De Goey.

Howe suffered an adductor strain during Collingwood’s loss to Gold Coast while following scans also revealed an abdominal concern for Houston.

Both Howe and Houston, who have been key parts of the competition’s leading defence, will miss the next fortnight.

The loss of Houston means Josh Daicos is unlikely to run through the midfield where he produced one of the more impressive final quarters against the Suns.

Dan Houston will miss the next fortnight. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Jordan De Goey was concussed at Collingwood training in clash with Brayden Maynard

De Goey has returned to training from his concussion but will need to complete a minimum two week fitness block.

Collingwood head of performance Jarrod Wade said De Goey’s next fortnight would determine his timeline to return.

“Jordan De Goey will shortly complete his progression through concussion protocols and is set to commence a two-week training block,” Wade said.

“A return to play timeline will be determined once the training block is complete.”

Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill is also set to miss a fourth straight game as he deals with personal reasons and illness.

“Bobby Hill has missed the side’s last three matches due to personal reasons and was unable to train last week due to illness,” Wade said.

“Hill returned to training over the weekend. His focus is on resuming full training before a timeline is placed on his return.

“The club continues to support Hill throughout this period.”

Positively for Collingwood, Beau McCreery is expected to return this weekend provided he makes it through training.

Originally published as AFL 2025: Collingwood will be without two experienced defenders for a fortnight