Collingwood midfielder Josh Daicos remains in “a race against the clock” to be fit for Friday’s highly anticipated clash with Essendon. Daicos has been dealing with calf soreness since sustaining a knock in the third term of last Saturday’s loss to the Suns. Despite finishing the match, he reported the issue post-game.
The club confirmed that Daicos would need to pass a fitness test to play against the Bombers. His training session on Wednesday did not bolster his chances of selection.
“Unknown at the moment, he’s in a race against the clock,” said coach Craig McRae. “He still looks a little proppy to my eyes. We’re giving him every opportunity. Time will tell; he needs more movement and treatment. He got a knock on the calf, that’s what he’s carrying at the moment.”
Meanwhile, defender Brayden Maynard looks set to play after getting through Wednesday’s session following a corked quad from last week’s loss.
Small forward Lachie Schultz is expected to return following an illness, while Beau McCreery (calf) and defender John Noble (concussion) will miss Round 17. Fringe forward Joe Richards is likely to start against the Bombers after being the tactical sub against Gold Coast.
Ruckman Darcy Cameron is expected to play despite taking a knee to the ribs during training. “Darcy got a knee in the ribs, I was right there. It didn’t look good,” McRae said. “But apparently he’s fine, which is good news.”
Forward Dan McStay, recovering from an ACL injury sustained last September, has been progressing well in training and caught the eye with a high-flying mark on Wednesday. A return through the VFL appears imminent for the key forward.
“He came up to me after he took that mark and said, ‘Fly, I’m ready’,” McRae said with a laugh. “He’s still got a few more things to tick off, but he’s really close.”
The Magpies could move as high as third on the ladder—overtaking the Bombers—if they secure their ninth win of the year at the MCG on Friday.