CTV> Tarkyn Lockyer spoke to the media after Monday's open training session at Gosch's PaddockEAGER to continue its pre-season momentum, Collingwood could bring in Paul Medhurst for Thursday night’s NAB Cup quarter-final with Richmond after the star forward trained impressively at Gosch’s Paddock on Monday morning.
Medhurst hasn’t played a match over the summer due to back and, more recently, a foot injury, but has stepped up his training load over the past fortnight.
Whether the Magpies risk their goalkicker after a limited preparation remains doubtful however teammate Tarkyn Lockyer said Medhurst had continued to make good progress and had thrown his name into the hat for Thursday night’s clash with the Tigers.
“Medders got through training … and is available for selection so hopefully he gets the nod,” Lockyer said.
“He’s worked hard over the summer and he should be available for selection.”
Sean Rusling did not train on Monday – with Lockyer saying the forward had been given a couple of days off – although he is believed to be in contention to play Richmond.
That means when the Pies’ match committee sits down to choose its squad for Thursday’s clash, they will have close to a full complement from which to pick.
And Lockyer noted the health of his club’s list.
“The pleasing thing from our group at the moment is we’ve got just about all players up for selection,” Lockyer said.
“All players are training strongly and only [Anthony] Rocca and Kevvy Dyas are unavailable for selection.
“We’ve got a good dilemma where we’ve got lots of people up and therefore the match committee will be picking a side that’s very capable.”
Rocca (ankle) and rookie Dyas (hamstring) are the only major injury concerns. Lockyer said he hoped Rocca might be ready for the home-and-away campaign.
“Having missed so much footy they monitor you pretty closely,” Lockyer said of Rocca.
“Being out on the track all the time we don’t necessarily see what he does behind closed doors … he’s looking pretty fit and hopefully he’ll be up [for selection] in round one.”
Collingwood hasn’t played since February 7 when it trounced the West Coast Eagles by 62 points at Subiaco.
Lockyer admitted his team had endured an unusual preparation but the long break between matches had given the side a chance to reflect on what it had done well and not so well against the Eagles.
And the Magpies have been working hard to correct any deficiencies ahead of their clash with the Tigers.
While Thursday is only a pre-season clash, both clubs have stated they are keen to progress deep into the NAB Cup competition.
“We’re keen to win the game and we’ll be picking a side to do that,” Lockyer said.
Paul Medhurst is rated a $389,000 forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009
