Collingwood's veteran midfielder, Tom Mitchell, is set to return to full training in the coming weeks after overcoming a challenging 2024 season marred by injury.
The 31-year-old endured a frustrating year, managing only six games due to a persistent plantar fascia issue and an unexpected appendicitis setback.
Mitchell, who joined the Magpies from Hawthorn at the end of 2022, had been a critical player in Collingwood's 2023 premiership-winning side.
However, his second season at the AIA Centre was derailed early on, with the Brownlow Medallist substituted out of the annual Anzac Day clash against Essendon due to ongoing foot soreness.
Despite undergoing surgery in June to address the problem, further complications forced him to sit out the remainder of the season.
Speaking about his return to the training track, Mitchell expressed his eagerness to regain full fitness ahead of the 2025 campaign.
He has been actively participating in sessions alongside Collingwood's first-to-fourth-year stars as part of an early pre-season push.
Mitchell's journey back to form has not been straightforward. Following foot surgery, he faced additional setbacks, including an emergency appendectomy in August, further limiting his recovery window.
Now, with a crucial summer of preparation ahead, the 2018 Brownlow Medallist is aiming to play a pivotal role in what could be his final season at Collingwood as he looks to earn a contract extension beyond 2025.
The return of Mitchell, along with key forward Brody Mihocek, who also missed the tail end of 2024 due to a torn pectoral tendon, is a promising sign for the Magpies.
Mihocek has been actively training with recruit Tim Membrey, setting the stage for a revamped forward line as Collingwood eyes a resurgence after a disappointing 2024 season.
Senior coach Craig McRae also has high hopes for his midfield and defensive units in 2025, particularly with the additions of Dan Houston from Port Adelaide and Harry Perryman from Greater Western Sydney.
The arrival of these versatile players has created a competitive environment, with several midfielders, including former first-round picks Ed Allan and Fin Macrae, vying for spots.
Allan made a strong impression late in 2024, while Macrae added nine senior appearances, showcasing depth in the Magpies' engine room.
Mitchell's likely return adds another dimension to a Collingwood midfield that will look to rebound strongly next year. The 203-game veteran has faced and overcome severe injuries before, including a broken leg in 2019.
With Collingwood's pre-season in full swing and most of their senior list already back on the track, the focus will be on refining their game style and building chemistry with a fresh, though still highly experienced, list.