Elliott And Reid Ready To Return

SUPERFOOTY

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 15 Chance of rain 50%: < 1mm Wind: N 25kph Betting: Collingwood $1.80 Adelaide $2.00

COLLINGWOOD will regain small forward Jamie Elliott for Sunday’s clash against Adelaide as swingman Ben Reid also closes in on a long-awaited return.
Magpies director of football Rodney Eade said the club’s bye in the VFL at the weekend would not affect Reid’s prospects of pushing for a senior comeback.
Reid, yet to play a senior game this season, has built up his game time with two matches in the VFL after recovering from a quad injury.
Eade said yesterday Reid was “a chance” for senior selection against the Crows with the club to make a call on his availability later in the week.
“We’ll make that assessment during the week,” Eade said.
“He has had a training program, he trained reasonably solidly during the week so hopefully he’ll be available for selection, but that will be discussed further in the week with the fitness staff as well as the coaches and the medical staff.
“But he’s done everything we’ve asked so far, so we’re certainly happy with the way that he is tracking.”
Eade said it would be a welcome boost for the Magpies if key tall Reid was cleared for selection after the immediate retirement of former captain and defender Nick Maxwell last week.
“He is such a quality player, not having played this year obviously we’ve missed him, but we look forward to getting him back,’’ Eade said.
“With Nick now retiring, it will hopefully be a bonus for us.”
Eade also confirmed Elliott, who has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, was a lock to return against the Crows at the MCG.
With 30 goals from 14 games this season, Elliott sits only behind spearhead Travis Cloke (31) on the goalkicking table for Collingwood.
“He was close last game, so he’s definitely right,” Eade said.
The Magpies were dealt a significant injury blow last week when star midfielder Dane Swan was ruled out for four weeks with a foot injury.
The club is fighting to retain its position in the top eight after losing four out of their past five games, including a heavy loss to Essendon last round.