'Pies unsure Howe long AFL absence lasts

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has lamented Jeremy Howe's broken AFL pre-season, saying it is unclear when the big-marking utility will return.

Howe first suffered a foot injury after the trade from Melbourne last year and then broke a finger while playing frisbee with his dog.

The circumstances surrounding the finger injury raised eyebrows, but Collingwood are adamant Howe told the truth.

The finger injury needed surgery, further frustrating Howe as he tries to establish himself at his new club.

"It's been a broken pre-season, there's no two ways around it," Buckley said.

"He would have preferred not to have the foot issue and then he would have preferred not to have broken his hand, I'm sure.

"He's going to have to build through the next six weeks to get up and be in contention.

"So there are plenty of steps for him to take before he's going to be a prospect for us at senior level."

Buckley said Howe and Brisbane recruit James Aish had shown they are determined to establish themselves with the Magpies.

While the injuries have frustrated Howe's efforts, Aish appears to be building well towards round one.

"When he came across, he knew he had work to do to prove that he was ... a first-choice player in our 22," Buckley said of Howe.

"He's put some onus on himself to do that."