De Goey in frame for return to Pies

JORDAN de Goey stands on the brink of a return to the AFL after training strongly this week, as Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley considers a raft of options at the selection table.

Daniel Wells will inch closer to senior footy by returning in the VFL this weekend.

Jamie Elliott could be forced to wait until Anzac Day for his own return after leaving training early yesterday.

Durable midfielder Taylor Adams joined him in departing mid-session due to back tightness, though Buckley believes he’ll be fit for tomorrow night’s away clash with Adelaide.

Buckley confirmed de Goey, who was sanctioned by his club for drink-driving in the off-season, had passed his fitness hurdle after playing in the VFL. Coming off a hamstring injury, de Goey had 24 touches, five tackles and six clearances in a dominant reserves win.

“He’s had a fair bit of training so we’ll consider him this week when we look at the balance of the squad,” Buckley said yesterday.

“The intensity of the VFL game last week was actually quite high (so) that was encouraging.”

The news was less encouraging for Elliott, who kicked 5.3 in the same match.

“He was sore and didn’t finish the session,” Buckley said, without confirming his ailment.

After taking on the Crows, Collingwood have a 12-day break before their traditional clash with Essendon, then a brutal four-day recovery before a round six meeting with Richmond.