CTV > Press Conference: Josh FraserCollingwood vice-captain Josh Fraser revealed on Monday he’s a chance to play on Friday night.
Fraser strained the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while representing Victoria during the final quarter of Saturday night’s Hall of Fame Tribute Match at the MCG.
But on Monday he said the injury is not as bad as what’s been reported since the game.
“It’s pretty positive. I’m still a chance to play this week,” Fraser told media assembled at the Lexus Centre waiting on the news regarding the injury.
“We’ve got a couple of training sessions to go before Friday so I’ll give myself a chance there, so at the moment it’s not looking long-term which has been reported, so I give myself every chance this week.
"It’s definitely not a long term thing.”
Fraser, working in tandem with Richmond big man Troy Simmonds, rucked admirably for the Victorian team against Dream Team duo Dean Cox and Jamie Charman, but admitted to fearing more severe damage when he clashed knees with Cox during a centre bounce midway through the final term.
“Initially I probably thought it wasn’t great, but I guess the 24 hours post-game it responded really well.
“I did everything I possibly could to make sure it settled, so the docs have had a look at me this morning, they’re relatively happy with it, so again it will be an ongoing thing this week where we just keep checking it out, and when I’m right to go I’ll get out there and have a run and see what it’s like.”
Fraser is keen to take on the Saints on Friday night in what looms as a huge clash for the Magpies, who are sitting at three wins after seven rounds.
“We (Collingwood) have been a bit disappointing in recent weeks. Certainly the Hawthorn game wasn’t great for us, so St Kilda presents a pretty good challenge.
“They’re in a similar position and played some pretty good footy, so it’s a great test for us, and Friday night footy is always a big stage, so the boys are looking forward to it.”
Despite sustaining the injury on Saturday night, Fraser remains a big supporter of representative football and has no regrets about pulling on the ‘Big V’.
“It was a wonderful experience.
“I’ve said to a few boys already it would be a shame if they went through their careers and didn’t get a chance to pull on the 'Big V', so I’ve got no regrets at all.
“It’s an injury that could’ve happened at training, it could’ve happened anywhere. It was a great thrill to be able to play for Victoria and I’ve got no regrets whatsoever.”
