De Goey’s injury hits Magpies’ build-up

COLLINGWOOD remains in the dark about when star forward Jordan De Goey will return to the AFL after he was injured at training yesterday.

De Goey sent a big scare through the Magpies when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest and went to ground, clutching his left ankle. While two trainers had to help him from the field, the Magpies say scans have shown there is no serious damage.

They reported he suffered a mid-foot sprain and escaped damage to the ankle joints and ligaments. But it puts De Goey in doubt for their pre-season games, with the Magpies to play Fremantle on March 4 and Carlton on March 11. Collingwood’s Round 1 game is on March 22 against Geelong.

De Goey’s left ankle will be in a moon boot for seven days.

“After that we should be able to determine how and when Jordy returns to the program,” Collingwood’s football boss Geoff Walsh said. “He has escaped serious damage to the joint, which is the first thing. We’ll let it settle and make the appropriate calls, in terms of rehab and a timeline, once he is back on the foot.”

The 22-year-old goalsneak enjoyed a breakout season last year, kicking 48 goals in 21 games and playing a pivotal role in the Magpies’ resurgence. Twelve of his goals came during the finals series, including three in the fivepoint grand final loss to the West Coast Eagles.