Over three months since a gruesome arm injury suffered in Round 1 against Geelong threatened to derail his entire 2023 campaign, high-marking Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe is back in the selection frame this weekend, pushing to make a remarkable return.
Ahead of the Magpies' clash with the Adelaide Crows at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, Howe confirmed to Channel 7 on Tuesday that after taking part in game simulation at training for the last fortnight, he's ready to stake his claim for senior inclusion in Round 15.
"I've been able to do match [simulation] for the last two weeks, getting in aerial contests, you're tackling blokes, I'm getting tackled by Beau McCreery, I don't think [there are] too many blokes who tackle better than him," said the athletic intercept defender.
"Probably just handy to have an extra week off (Collingwood's bye) and then I'll put my hand up for selection going into this game."
Howe detailed the extensive damage done to his arm during that Round 1 marking contest.
"Four breaks in the forearm, two breaks in my elbow, and did an AC joint as well," he began.
"So, pretty much, I explained it like those bamboo string puppets, you just drop it, and that's exactly what happened to my arm, it just folded on top (of itself) and, yeah, it was definitely the most pain I've ever been in, in my life."
What followed was just as tormenting for Howe, with the 32-year-old proceeding to succumb to a nasty infection, eventually turning to gymnastics and hand therapy in order to try and make a full return to play.
"My arm was, like, blown up, my pec was black, everything was swelling quite dramatically, and that night I just sweat through my clothes like six times, my skin was obviously extremely pale, but my eyes were, like, black, my face was probably [like] a vampire's because it was grey, it was just like I'd had the life sucked out of me.
"I even sweat just thinking about how uncomfortable [therapy it would be], the nerve and tendon damage, a lot of (function) is still coming back, it's not fully functioned, I might not get feeling in my fingertips for 12 (more) months.
"I've got quite significant scarring, plates and all that in both sides of my forearm, I've got a protection piece that goes all the way up to my elbow, so for me, I think that's what makes me feel the most safe and comfortable."
The club confirmed on Wednesday evening that Howe has been cleared to make his return, however an official call on whether that is through the AFL or limited minutes in the VFL will be made on Thursday night.
The Magpies will also have star forward Jamie Elliott in the mix for selection, with the tattooed goalsneak set to be assessed in the coming days ahead of the club's clash with the Crows.
Key forward Dan McStay's setback with a finger infection will see him sidelined until between Rounds 16-18, while veteran Steele Sidebottom will also remain sidelined with his knee injury until Round 18 at the very least.
Preliminary squads for Collingwood's Sunday bout with Adelaide will be announced on Thursday at 6:20pm (AEST), before they are trimmed and finalised on Friday afternoon.