Coach Craig McRae concedes he might have to change Jordan De Goey’s role as the Collingwood dynamo struggles with a groin injury.
And in other big news at the Magpies, Dan McStay has been named to return for Saturday’s crunch clash with Hawthorn after recovering from a knee reconstruction.
De Goey, 28, has lacked some of his trademark explosiveness as he deals with lingering soreness.
The midfielder told the Seven Network he had been in an “uphill battle” with injuries and said his issue was “debilitating in terms of power and stuff like that.”
McRae insisted De Goey wasn’t dealing with osteitis pubis but acknowledged he could need to spend more time forward
“Well this is the reality of some of our players – and Jordy is one of them – is most of the week he’s just running up and down straight lines just to get to the line,” he said.
“It’s been a battle for Jordy this year, battling his body and then getting himself right to be able to perform. There’s minor little niggles.
“We need Jordy at his best and today he got through training and ideally he’s one that goes out on Saturday and performs at his best.
“We’re going to continue to do that to all our players – put them in positions where we think they can impact and it might see a little bit of an evolution of Jordy’s game.”
McStay, 29, made a powerful return from his ACL tear via the VFL on the weekend and with the Magpies lacking a tall forward target, he has been quickly elevated.
“There’s obviously a want and a need for the team and Dan fits that well,” McRae said.
“He’s done an incredible amount of work. You can watch him train and play in the VFL – you can see how fit and strong he is.”
Nathan Kreuger didn’t train on Thursday as he recovers from gastro, while Jeremy Howe also missed with a virus.
Both have been named in Collingwood’s side to face Hawthorn.
McRae again defended out-of-form skipper Darcy Moore, praising his leadership.
Hawthorn have made it clear they are treating Saturday’s game at the MCG like an elimination final.
“If you want to try to motivate yourself more by saying it’s a final – go for it,” McRae said.
“But we’re gonna be heavily motivated for round 19 and we need to bring our best and this week it’s Hawthorn and we’re gonna really hit them between the eyes with our best.”
Hawthorn have recalled Finn Maginness, possibly for a tagging role on star Magpie Nick Daicos.
“I hope they do consider it,” McRae said.
“Because it certainly makes them have to make other decisions around their team.”
The Hawks also welcome back former Magpies forward Jack Ginnivan.