Collingwood say tough midfielder Taylor Adams has overcome a hip complaint and will play in Friday night’s season opener against Western Bulldogs.
Adams – who missed almost three months with an adductor injury last year – suffered what coach Nathan Buckley termed a “jarred hip” during a practice match on March 8.
But the Magpies’ vice-captain has been cleared to play against the Bulldogs in a fixture that is set to play out behind closed doors amid the coronavirus crisis.
Goal sneak Jaidyn Stephenson is also set to play despite hurting his left hand during a VFL practice match on Saturday.
Scans later revealed bruising, but no broken bones.
It was a positive result for Stephenson, whose preparation for the 2020 campaign had been interrupted by a bout of glandular fever over summer.
The news isn’t so good for star midfielder Adam Treloar, who will miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury.
Treloar hurt his left hamstring during a practice match on March 1 and could be fit to return in round two.