Collingwood’s head of conditioning David Buttifant has told collingwoodfc.com.au that deputy vice-captain Ben Johnson is a “big chance” to play against Port Adelaide in round four.

Johnson injured his ankle against West Coast at Subiaco during last Saturday’s round two match, and won’t play against the Tigers on Friday night.

However Buttifant is confident the star midfielder will be fine to return against Port Adelaide on Saturday 21 April, given there was no structural damage to the joint.

“The wash up was that he had a bit of swelling and soreness in there so he’s struggled to get up for this week, but if everything goes well, he’ll be a big chance to play again the following week against Port Adelaide”, Buttifant explained.

“He had it tested and investigated and structurally it’s very sound, he’s just got a bit of swelling there, a minor tweak to the ankle, and touch wood, he should play next round.”

Buttifant praised the courage of the 26-year-old, who managed to return to the field after receiving treatment at Subiaco, without doing any further damage.

“He came back on after the incident against the Eagles, credit to him, he had to endure a fair bit of pain to do that.”

In 2006 Johnson enjoyed his finest season at Collingwood since being drafted at the end of 1999. He finished equal second in the EW Copeland Trophy voting, and had the most total disposals (531) at the club and the third-most kicks in the league.

He’s been solid during the first two rounds of 2007 without having racked up the huge numbers of last year, but his run and carry out of defence and through the midfield is an extremely important part of the Collingwood system.