Collingwood’s AFLW Head of High-Performance, Mathew Pell, has provided an injury and health update ahead of the Magpies’ Week Seven AFLW Pride Round match against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Thursday night. The update includes positive news regarding the return of key players, as well as long-term recovery plans for others.
Available for selection:
Grace Campbell
The 28-year-old forward is set to make her return after overcoming hip soreness that had been troubling her during the compressed fixture schedule. Campbell’s recovery comes at a crucial time, as she is now available for the Pies’ Week Seven clash against Port Adelaide. Her return is expected to boost Collingwood’s forward line.
Other updates:
Charlotte Blair
Unfortunately, 20-year-old midfielder Charlotte Blair has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 NAB AFLW season. Scans confirmed that she is suffering from severe shin splints, sustained during last week’s training session. With a recovery period of nine to 11 weeks, Blair will aim to make her return to football in 2025.
Kalinda Howarth
Kalinda Howarth has been making steady progress in her rehabilitation from an ACL injury. After recovering from illness, the 25-year-old forward is gradually increasing her training load. Howarth is on track to return to on-field training in four to six weeks.
Mikayla Hyde
The 22-year-old forward is also making good strides in her recovery from a foot injury. Hyde is progressing into drill work and is expected to be back in action in three to four weeks.
Selena Karlson
Selena Karlson, 26, continues to recover from shin soreness and will be managed accordingly this week. No definitive return timeline has been provided.
Annie Lee
Annie Lee is beginning her post-surgery rehabilitation after successful knee surgery. The 21-year-old defender will focus on co-contraction work and upper body cross-training as part of her lengthy recovery, with an eye on a return in 2025.
Nell Morris-Dalton
Positive updates continue for 23-year-old Nell Morris-Dalton, who is recovering from a lumbar stress fracture. She has started light leg conditioning and bike work, signaling steady progress in her rehabilitation.
As Collingwood prepares for the Week Seven AFLW Pride Round, the return of Grace Campbell will be a welcome boost, while the extended absences of other key players will continue to be managed carefully by the club’s high-performance staff.
