Collingwood star Jordan De Goey still has some “work to do” before he’s ready to rejoin the Magpies’ developing AFL forward line.

The goal kicker has been sidelined since a best-on-ground performance against premiership contenders Geelong in round seven.

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh on Thursday said De Goey could be back available after finger surgery as soon as round 16 – when the Magpies have the bye.

Buckley hopes De Goey will be ready as soon as possible but suggested the 24-year-old needs to lift his training intensity.

“Jordy is really bullish about his capacity to get back,” Buckley said on Friday.

“But the mindset for him is got to be to look after his end of the bargain and get himself prepped up as well as he possibly can.

“Part of that is picturing himself coming back into a side that is coming together as a unit, which allows him to come in and bring his strengths to the table.

“Jordy, in his own way, has work to do make sure that we meet at the same point ready to go and attack whatever is left of the year.”

Collingwood haven’t looked the same in De Goey’s absence, with their injury-hit forward line struggling to kick a winning score.

Sitting seventh on the ladder, the Magpies’ attack is ranked 13th in the competition, with teams like Gold Coast and Melbourne showing more potency up forward.

De Goey booted five goals against the Cats in July, leading Collingwood to a convincing 22-point victory over a team that has been the most dominant during the past six rounds.

After missing Monday night’s win against North Melbourne, the Magpies’ leading goal kicker this season Brody Mihocek has recovered from a concussion and will take his place in Sunday’s clash against arch-rivals Carlton at the Gabba.