Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy has been placed on a modified training program as the Magpies plan to ease the premiership backman back from concussion.
Murphy last played in the club's grand final win over Brisbane in September when he suffered the tenth concussion of his career, with the AFL's concussion panel clearing the 24-year-old to continue his career following an investigation into Murphy's health and history with head trauma.
Collingwood has continued to manage Murphy throughout the pre-season and will now keep him on a modified training program, with the Magpies stopper set to miss his side's upcoming pre-season matches against North Melbourne and Richmond later this month.
Speaking via a club statement, Murphy said it is vital he is in the right frame of mind before returning to matchplay.
"The Club has been terrific in the way they have managed me but the reality is knowing the way I play the game, I have been finding it difficult to get myself in the right frame of mind to participate in match simulation," he said.
"I feel great and have the right support around me but the facts are I haven't played a match since the Grand Final so right now, I am enjoying coming into the Club, learning and participating in all the meetings, and taking part in training, all of the conditioning and gym work.
"It is important for me and everyone around me to ensure I am in the right frame of mind to be able to return to match simulation and AFL matches which I have every intention of doing.
"The Club continues to support me through this and I hope people can understand and respect that."
Murphy played 24 games in the black and white last year, missing his side's Round 6 outing in April after being on the end of a high hit from St Kilda's Anthony Caminiti and entering concussion protocols.
Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said Murphy's health remains a priority as the club continues to work with the defender on his return to action.
"Nathan's welfare, like the welfare of all our athletes and people, remains paramount. The last game Nathan played was the 2023 Grand Final and Nathan, together with everyone at the Club, have since worked closely with him on his individual training program," Wright said.
"Nathan will continue his individual program over the pre-season period and will return to match simulation when he is ready to do so."
Collingwood will play two practice matches later this month in the lead-up to their Opening Round clash against GWS at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday, March 9.