Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has opened up on the "tough" battle that forced him to undergo recent shoulder surgery, but is confident he'll be ready for the Magpies' season opener against GWS in March.
Maynard had shoulder stabilisation surgery during the off-season after battling with "episodes" in his right shoulder throughout the back end of the vice-captain's premiership campaign.
An approximated three-month recovery period is set to sideline Maynard from main training until February, giving the 27-year-old little preparation for the start of Collingwood's flag defence.
Speaking to media on Friday, Maynard said he's optimistic of his chances of making the trip to GIANTS Stadium on March 9 for the Magpies' opening match.
"I feel like I'll be ready to go for [Opening Round]," he said.
"It's been a difficult last six weeks, but I've gone through it before and I know what to do. It is a bit of a process but it's all a part of footy. It's a brutal industry.
"I'm trying to make a statement by getting out (on the track) earlier, but I don't want to push the limits. I'm trying to get involved, I hate sitting on the sidelines."
Maynard dealt with a similar ailment a year ago in his left shoulder, a setback that has at least helped him in his preparations for a return from his current rehabilitation path.
The premiership Magpie said while it has been a "tough" injury battle, he is beginning to feel closer to a return.
"It was tough," Maynard said on dealing with the injury during the season.
"I have really loose shoulders. The whole last half of the season I kept having episodes with my right shoulder.
"I got to work during the week, but no amount of work was going to fix them, so I got into surgery and got the right one fixed and now it's actually feeling pretty good.
"I've just got to get some strength back into it and I'll be alright."
Collingwood's opening month of the season will see them face four top eight sides from this year, with their first four rounds bookended with interstate trips against GWS and Brisbane.
The Magpies will also come up against the Swans and Saints in Rounds 2 and 3 respectively, offering a challenge for Craig McRae's men to start the 2024 season before they head to South Australia for Gather Round.
The playing group has now looked to put their successful 2023 season behind them, with a focus on the future to deliver another strong campaign.
"We're hungrier than ever," Maynard said.
"We feel like we've got a group that's ready to attack 2024. The first couple of weeks (of pre-season) have been tough but you can see everyone has been putting in the work over the off-season.
"We're here to get better. Yes we want to celebrate the 2023 premiership but there's got to be a time where you move on and get ready for 2024, and I feel this group has done that really well."
Collingwood are set to face North Melbourne and Richmond for their pair of pre-season matches in February prior to their Opening Round clash with GWS.
