Collingwood coach Craig McRae says concussed defender Nathan Murphy has returned to 'full contact' training
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has provided Pies fans with a positive update on defender Nathan Murphy, as his concussion struggles continue.
The 24-year-old, who suffered a game-ending concussing during the Magpies heroic four-point grand final win over Brisbane in 2023, was also ruled out of the Pies' practices match, as well as their Opening Round loss to GWS on Saturday.
Murphy remains on a modified training program after the incident during match simulation last month, where he was dumped in a tackle by teammate Nick Daicos.
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Back in December, the young Pie was cleared to resume his career by the AFL's concussion panel, but has since been managing a multitude of physical setbacks.
However, McRae says Murphy's return to "full contact" has already begun.
Nathan Murphy has returned to contact training. Nine
"He's on a program that's going to run over a series of weeks to introduce him back to full contact," McRae said on SEN Radio on Wednesday.
"He did his first physical contact session today and we'll see how he pulls up tomorrow then assess."
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But don't expect him back that soon, Pies fans.
The premiership coach says they're taking the required steps under the league's new stringent concussion policy.
"Every session has a point where he's got a marker you have got to meet. Then we'll keep moving," he said.
Nathan Murphy's return to training has been positive. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"We're not in a hurry. There's no pressure on him for time. It's just a matter of building up."
Meantime, star small forward Jeremy Howe will likely face Sydney at the MCG on Friday night.
He was kept from the Pies losing side in Sydney last week, as he recovered from a calf injury.
"Jeremy got through training today and it looks like we'll select him," McRae said.
Jeremy Howe will likely return for round one. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The the coach says the decisio will come after Howe undergoes one final fitness test.
'It's just how he pulls up tomorrow and he's got a bit to get through.
"But it was pleasing he got through training."
The Magpies will face their former ruckman, Brodie Grundy, in his new Swans colours, after he was traded from Melbourne at the start of this season on Friday night at the MCG.
