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AAP
Joanna Guelas

Magpies say Daicos is in good nick after injury scare

Collingwood believe Nick Daicos only suffered cramps in the loss to the Giants. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

Collingwood coach Craig McRae is confident AFL superstar Nick Daicos was only troubled by cramps in their opening-round defeat to GWS.

Daicos looked to have suffered a leg injury after an innocuous contest with Giants tagger Toby Bedford in the third quarter at Engie Stadium on Sunday.

Playing through the pain with the Magpies having already activated their substitute, Daicos struggled to recapture his brilliant best.

He finished with 21 disposals and five clearances as the Giants steamrolled to a 52-point win.

But McRae refused to sweat on the star midfielder's fitness, saying Daicos was only battling cramps.

Daicos was far from the only injury concern for the visitors, with Jeremy Howe passing a concussion test after a collision with teammate Reef McInnes.

Livewire forward Bobby Hill also sent a scare through the Magpies camp with a suspected hamstring problem, but he was also only cramping, while defender Isaac Quaynor shook off a heavy knock.

Substitute Ned Long had joined the fray in the third quarter after Will Hoskin-Elliott picked up a back complaint.

"All able to finish the game out. They should be fine," McRae said.

Magpies coach Craig McRae
Magpies coach Craig McRae has shrugged off concerns about the fitness of Nick Daicos. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

"He (Daicos) pulled up fine. It's just a matter of now getting himself ready.

"We were aware that Nick was cramping at halftime.

"If he comes off the ground, there's another load for others.

"We're just, within reason, trying to look after him and look after others."

McRae could not be as optimistic about midfielder Jordan De Goey's return from a knee injury.

De Goey has been limited after suffering bone bruising on the top of his fibula in a clash of knees at training.

"It's touch-and-go at the moment," McRae said.

"Jordy's a pretty important player, pretty good player.

"There's always that excitement for what's potentially a solution. 

"He's got a bit of work to do to get up, but we'll see how that goes."

Collingwood will at least be able to welcome Dan Houston (suspension) to the side for next round's clash against his former team Port Adelaide.

Dan Houston (second right)
Dan Houston (second right) should be right to play against his former club Port Adelaide. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

"We've got to lick our wounds and move quickly," McRae said.

"We're excited to get back to our fans, back to the MCG. Dan Houston is ready to go playing his old team. 

"This is AFL footy - you play good opposition away from home and in hot conditions.

"We're well and truly prepared for this."

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