Collingwood could be without Jordan De Goey in the club's 2025 season opener against GWS on March 9 as he continues to battle to put aside his injury woes.
De Goey - who featured a measly 13 times in 2024 - had overcome his abdomen problems before suffering a knock to the leg, causing bone bruising and another stint on the sidelines.
The matchwinner is back in full training but his interrupted pre-season has put him behind the eight ball, with new football manager Charlie Gardner telling The Age the priority is getting him healthy and not rushing his return.
"Jordan has been committed to getting his body right in the off-season to ensure he is best prepared for the upcoming 2025 campaign," Gardiner said.
"Jordan is working incredibly hard and focused on preparing himself for the start of the season. His availability for the early rounds of the season will depend on his progress, which we will continue to assess.
"We will not place a ceiling on Jordan, and our priority is to ensure he is not only available but has a consistent season ahead where he is able to perform at his best."
The Pies have headed north to face Brisbane and Gold Coast in their first hit-out of 2025, but like De Goey, some regular faces will be sidelined.
Premiership ruckman Mason Cox is battling a finger issue that will see him return to contact training in at least a fortnight, putting his Opening Round aspirations in doubt.
Budding midfielder Finlay Macrae has essentially been ruled out of the first two matches of 2025 with a shoulder issue while project ruckman Illiro Smit injured his larynx and will be available at the start of April.
Draftee Joel Cochran is expected to be his hand for selection against the Giants, pending he overcomes his rib issue.
Bobby Hill and Ash Johnson will also not be seen in Thursday's match simulation following their stint in last weekend's Indigenous All Stars clash.
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The following players will not be available for selection for today's match simulation against Brisbane and Gold Coast:
- Jordan De Goey (load management, TBC return)
- Bobby Hill (load management due to All Stars game)
- Ash Johnson (load management due to All Stars game)
- Tom Mitchell (foot, TBC return)
- Mason Cox (finger - return to contact training in two to three weeks)
- Joel Cochran (rib - expected to be available for Opening Round)
- Harry DeMattia (concussion)
- Fin Macrae (shoulder - expected return three to four weeks)
- Illiro Smit (larynx - expected to be available for Rounds Four to Five)
The Pies will also have one final tune-up against Richmond in the AAMI Community Series on February 26 at Ikon Park.
Collingwood 2025 leadership team
Pies coach Craig McRae also announced the leadership group that will support captain Darcy Moore, who will reprise his role for the third straight year.
Star midfielder Nick Daicos has been welcomed into the group as a vice-captain for the first time, alongside bullocking defender Brayden Maynard.
"Super humbling," Daicos said.
"Jumped at the opportunity and super grateful to be part of a great group.
"Hopefully it's a holistic leadership group. We've got different strengths, be it off-field or on-field and provide great leadership for the team."
Fellow defender Isaac Quaynor remains in the tight-knit cohort while forward pair Dan McStay and Jamie Elliott receive a nod for their qualities.
Ruckman Darcy Cameron was also named.
Jeremy Howe opted to step away from his role.
