Leading Collingwood Supplemental Selection Period hopeful Joshua Eyre is set for surgery just over a week away from the signing window's deadline in what is a cruel blow to the former Essendon tall.
Eyre is one of six train-on talents at Collingwood as part of the SSP, with the reigning premiers able to fill up to three list spots ahead of the February 19 cut-off.
The 21-year-old has been in competition with former Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle, ex-St Kilda midfielder Jack Bytel, local league footballer Sam Sofronidis, Magpies VFL captain Campbell Hustwaite and Footscray skipper Lachie Sullivan for a spot in Craig McRae's squad.
Eyre was delisted by Essendon at the end of the 2022 season and would be given a chance to train with the Saints last pre-season, with a hamstring injury hampering his stint at Moorabbin.
That injury placed him out of action for the opening half of last year, with Eyre returning via Collingwood's VFL program.
The key position talent, who has been viewed as the standout SSP hopeful at Olympic Park this summer, is now facing another extended period on the sidelines after tearing a tendon in his hamstring.
According to AFL Media, scans revealed Eyre will require close to three months of rehabilitation following the injury, which was sustained at training on Friday.
The publication reports Collingwood has not made a decision on Eyre as of yet, with the young defender looming as a lively list addition prior to the untimely injury.
The Magpies are likely to sign two players via the SSP and keep one list spot open for the Mid-Season Draft.
Clubs have until February 15 to have SSP prospects train at their respective clubs, with the signing deadline falling four days later.
Fremantle have decided to keep former St Kilda wingman Daniel McKenzie at the club until the end of the SSP despite the 27-year-old's recent hamstring strain.
McKenzie, who was poised to train with the Suns prior to his injury, is one of four train-on players in contention for a list spot at Fremantle, who have two vacancies.