Collingwood midfielder Jordan De Goey has been given the green light to make his comeback this weekend as the team heads north to take on Gold Coast.
The 28-year-old has had a turbulent season plagued by two separate injuries, limiting his appearances to just eight games in 2024.
De Goey first suffered a groin injury earlier this season and later sustained an abdominal injury against Adelaide.
Confirming De Goey’s return, Collingwood coach Craig McRae stated on Thursday morning that the star midfielder is fit to play his first match since Round 10.
“Jordy’s had a solid week of training and he’s ready to go,” McRae said. “We’ve been aiming for this game and he has met all the required benchmarks.”
De Goey has been undergoing rehabilitation alongside veteran Scott Pendlebury, both aiming to return after the bye week.
Additionally, 36-year-old Pendlebury and Brody Mihocek, who were injured in Round 11, have also been cleared to play against the Suns this Saturday.
While Collingwood welcomes back these key players, the news isn’t as positive for small forward Lachie Schultz, who will miss the upcoming match due to gastroenteritis. Vice-captain Isaac Quaynor is uncertain for the game as he recovers from flu symptoms.
He’s back 🤝
Fly has confirmed Jordy will play against the Gold Coast on Saturday, his first game since Round 10. pic.twitter.com/Cutk0S3qW1
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) June 27, 2024
“Lachie Schultz won’t be available due to a severe bout of gastro this week,” McRae explained. “Quaynor is progressing well from the flu, and we hope he’ll be ready to play after training tomorrow.”
Premiership defender Oleg Markov returns after missing Round 14 due to a back injury, while forward Joe Richards might make a comeback pending a fitness test on Thursday, having suffered a fractured metatarsal in Round 11.
“Joey has progressed quickly,” McRae commented. “He was initially projected to be three or four weeks away, but he’s surprised us with how fast he’s recovered. He’s trained exceptionally well and has made a strong case for selection, so it will be an intriguing discussion at the match committee.”