De Goey’s poised to take on Richmond

COLLINGWOOD star Jordan De Goey will kickstart his 2021 campaign in next Friday’s AAMI Community Series clash with Richmond.

And Magpie draftee Oliver Henry has taken another significant step towards locking in a Round 1 debut against the Western Bulldogs.

De Goey was missing from the Magpies’ team that narrowly went down to Geelong yesterday at GMHBA Stadium, after rolling his ankle in last week’s intra-club match.

But assistant coach Hayden Skipworth said the explosive midfielder/forward was a certain starter against the Tigers next week in the last hitout before the opening round.

“If this was a home-andaway season, he would have played (against Geelong), but there was a little bit of swelling, so they took the safe route with him because he is such an important player for us,” Skipworth said after the Pies’ twopoint loss to the Cats.

“He’ll be right to go against Richmond.”

Taylor Adams and Chris Mayne were among a handful of Magpies to miss the lively trial game against Geelong, with Adams racing against the clock to get back for Round 1.

“Taylor is pushing … he had a hamstring that was a bit more than a three-week (injury),” Skipworth said.

“He’ll be pushing for Round 1, hopefully he will be available for the Richmond game.”

Scott Pendlebury and Brody Mihocek finished with ice on their calves, but Skipworth said both would be fine.

After making a strong impression in last week’s intraclub City versus Country match, 18-year-old Henry backed it up with a strong display against the Cats.

The brother of Cat Jack Henry performed so well against the Cats on their home deck that Skipworth suggested he was close to a lock to make his debut in Round 1.