Star midfielder Dale Thomas’ chances of playing a role in Collingwood’s AFL finals campaign have increased significantly.
Thomas, who has not played since early May after undergoing ankle surgery, completed his first full training session on Wednesday since his injury.
That was a pleasant surprise to coach Nathan Buckley, who now concedes the 26-year-old may be able to play a role this season for the almost certainly finals-bound `Pies.
“We’re encouraged by where he’s at. He’s still got a few more boxes to tick,” Buckley said after Thomas trained with the rest of his teammates.
“It’s a bit of a stretch to expect Daisy’s going to come back and give us a great deal.
“But from what I’ve seen, it’s becoming more of a possibility, and I’m happy for him to keep proving us wrong.”
Buckley said Thomas would not play in the reserves this weekend, though game time in the VFL looms soon as the coach believes match fitness is key.
“My gut (feeling) on that is he needs footy,” Buckley said when asked if Thomas was a potential candidate to ease back into the AFL as substitute.
“If he plays as a sub, he might miss three quarters of footy that he needs.”
The news isn’t as bright for ruckman Darren Jolly, whom Buckley said had not pulled up well from a VFL hitout last weekend.
The veteran has battled niggling injuries all season – the latest requiring minor knee surgery last month.
Buckley conceded Jolly would need to be monitored for the rest of the season, though the bright form of youngster Brodie Grundy and veteran Ben Hudson’s availability mean the `Pies can afford to be cautious.
“He didn’t come out of the VFL game that well – it’s touch and go whether he’ll play this week,” Buckley said of Jolly.
The Magpies take on Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.