Premiership Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has undergone shoulder surgery for the second time in as many years, with the star Magpie potentially missing contact training until February.
The Pies vice-captain underwent surgery on a hampered left shoulder at the conclusion of an All-Australian campaign last year that helped him prepare for a full 2023 season where he would end up playing 25 matches and featuring in the club's grand final win.
The long season has left Collingwood and Maynard to come to the decision to assess and fix a complaint with his other shoulder this year, with the 27-year-old going under the knife in the past week.
The surgery is set to see Maynard's pre-season plans delayed until the new year, with a return to full training potentially not coming until the month before the 2024 season starts.
As revealed by 7 News, Maynard is still expected to play Round 1 next year following the recent procedure.
"Collingwood's premiership vice-captain Brayden Maynard won't be back in full training until early next year," reporter Andrew McCormack disclosed on Thursday night.
"A delayed decision to go under the knife will cut into his pre-season even more. Maynard underwent shoulder surgery on his right shoulder in the past week, he had a left shoulder reconstruction at the end of last year.
"He's looking at non-contact training until January or February. It'll be tight, but he is expected to play in Round 1 if all goes well."
The Magpies are one of eight clubs set to compete in the newly-introduced 'Opening Round' next season, which will see the reigning premiers have the second shortest turnaround of any club behind fellow grand finalists Brisbane.
Collingwood are scheduled to face GWS at Giants Stadium on Saturday, March 9 to open their premiership defence, before returning to Melbourne to host Sydney at the MCG the following Friday night.