Collingwood forward Ash Johnson is facing a significant period on the sidelines after sustaining a fracture to his fibula in Friday's VFL practice match against the Northern Bullants.
The high-flying Johnson was seen in pain on the AIA Centre turf as Collingwood's reserves took on the Bullants for their final tune-up of the pre-season, with almost half of Andy Otten's side made up of AFL-listed Magpies.
The 27-year-old required medical assessment on the ground before a stretcher was brought out to assist him from the field, adding to the concerns surrounding a possible setback for the Magpies attacker.
The athletic forward is now facing a large period of his 2024 campaign on the sidelines, with the club confirming the extent of the setback on Saturday.
“This is disappointing news for Ash who has enjoyed a strong start to the year," Collingwood football boss Charlie Gardiner said.
“Ash sustained the injury during our Club's VFL pre-season game yesterday afternoon. He is expected to undergo surgery next week and will unfortunately spend an extended period of time on the sidelines as he recovers.
“This is obviously a significant setback, but Ash remains in good spirits all things considered and has the full support of our medical team and wider program.”
A more detail recovery timeline for Johnson will be revealed at a late date.
Form and injury have limited the Western Australian over the past two years, with Johnson finding himself on the outer of senior selection to start his fourth full season with Collingwood.
Johnson was accompanied by fellow tall forwards Charlie West and Mason Cox in the practice match against the Bullants, with the trio currently behind Dan McStay, Tim Membrey and Brody Mihocek in McRae's pecking order.
He was one of three emergencies listed for the Magpies for their AFL game against Port Adelaide this weekend, with defender Billy Frampton and young midfielder Ed Allan also on standby.
Cox's appearance for the Magpies' VFL this week saw the American return from a finger injury that hampered his lead-up to the 2025 season, while West enjoyed a promising first pre-season in the black and white since being drafted out of South Australia.
Fellow draftees Will Hayes (corky) and Joel Cochran (ribs/illness) also featured in the VFL practice match but were on limited minutes as they eased themselves back from ailments.
Collingwood handled the Bullants with some ease, recording a 59-point victory as they now turn their attention to a Round 1 bout with Sydney on Saturday, March 22 at Olympic Park.
