Krakouer, Macaffer inch closer
Andrew Krakouer and Brent Macaffer may return to the field within two weeks
ANDREW Krakouer and Brent Macaffer are inching closer to a return to the field with Collingwood revealing they could play within two weeks.
Up until Tuesday, the two players, who had knee reconstructions within a week of each other in February, were listed as out indefinitely on the club's injury list.
But after being cleared to join in competitive training last week they've been elevated to one to two weeks away.
Ben Johnson, who had a shoulder reconstruction in May, appears on track to reach his goal of playing in the VFL in round 20 after being listed as two to three weeks away from playing.
The Pies have been cautious in talking up Krakouer, Macaffer and Johnson's potential return, and have said all along it would be a bonus if they were available for senior selection this season.
On Friday, after the trio completed jumping drills and agility running ahead of the squad's training session, teammate Alex Fasolo said it had been encouraging to see their workload increase.
"They're doing full contact training, which is great," Fasolo said.
"We don't really know if they'll get back … for anyone who does an ACL, you have to take a cautious approach. so we'll just wait and see.
"They've been out on the track doing a fair bit lately and it's incredible to see them out doing that already, so fingers crossed."
The Pies will have Sharrod Wellingham available after this weekend after the premiership player's three-week suspension for rough conduct against Kade Simpson in round 15.
He will be free to face St Kilda in round 19.
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Ben Sinclair faces a fitness test this week after being withdrawn from Saturday's loss to Hawthorn with general soreness.
Luke Ball (knee), Lachlan Keeffe (knee), Marley Williams (shoulder) and rookie Michael Hartley (shoulder) won't play again this year.
Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.