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Collingwood’s depth in defence could be exposed early in the season after the Magpies confirmed skipper Darcy Moore is still touch and go for the opening round blockbuster against St Kilda.
Even if Moore does recover from his calf injury in time for the Sunday night clash on March 8, his interrupted pre-season will place pressure on the Magpies’ defence, which is likely to be tested with defenders Jeremy Howe, Dan Houston, Isaac Quaynor and Reef McInnes all training with the rehab group on Wednesday.
Houston barely trained on Wednesday as he continues his rehabilitation from a minor hip procedure before Christmas. He is expected back to full training in one to two weeks alongside Quaynor, who did stationary drills on Wednesday as he recovers from a hamstring.
A post-Christmas hamstring injury has made Moore touch and go for round one. Credit: Getty Images
The veteran Howe appeared the closest to resuming as he participated in full-round drills, but the Magpies will be cautious with him as he recovers from a calf injury, while McInnes has not played since having a knee reconstruction early last season.
Apart from Billy Frampton, Collingwood’s tall defensive options are limited with Joel Cochran a potential inclusion as he continues to train well after playing 15 VFL matches with the Magpies in his first season. The Magpies made a bid to recruit Carlton free agent Jack Silvagni to fill a need, before he eventually joined St Kilda.
On the bright side, veterans Brayden Maynard and Harry Perryman are in good shape, with Maynard enjoying a pre-season free of foot issues, while Wil Parker should get an opportunity.
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It’s a less-than-ideal position for the Magpies as most of the focus has been on their forward line after they traded out Brody Mihocek and delisted Mason Cox, and have Dan McStay in rehab with a hamstring injury, Beau McCreery in doubt for round one with a foot injury, and Bobby Hill on extended leave for personal reasons.
The change is sure to put pressure on star forward Jamie Elliott, who kicked 60 goals in 2025 and was unfortunate not to be named an All-Australian. However, speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Elliott said the new faces could make the Magpies harder to combat inside 50.
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