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CTV > Shane Wakelin's Tuesday press conferenceCOLLINGWOOD is optimistic it will regain veteran duo Scott Burns and Anthony Rocca for this Saturday’s blockbuster with Hawthorn at the MCG.
Magpie skipper Burns hasn’t played since round two after suffering a calf injury while Rocca was a late withdrawal from Friday’s Anzac Day victory over Essendon for reasons coach Mick Malthouse explained as ‘a couple of niggles older players get from time to time’.
Veteran defender Shane Wakelin said the experienced pair should be available for selection but the club might opt to take advantage of the bye the following week and give them extra rest in the hope of increasing their impact later in the season.
“All the signs are pretty positive, it’s a difficult thing, (Burns) did one (a calf) in the pre-season so they’ll be quite conservative with it,” Wakelin said on Tuesday morning after the club’s recovery session at the St Kilda Sea Baths.
“We’re confident he will (play) but then I suppose there’s a week break afterwards which gives you an opportunity to freshen up on that weekend as well.
“We’re pretty positive about Anthony. Once again it’s a decision he’ll make along with medical staff. He’s still got three or four days to get up and get some good conditioning in the legs.”
The 33-year-old defender also said fellow backman Simon Prestigiacomo is ‘coming along well’ and has started running following persistent foot problems.
The club is confident the 30-year-old can play a role in the second half of the season.
