He said Nick Daicos would be ready for the preliminary final after suffering a hairline fracture in his leg in the round 21 clash against Hawthorn. Skipworth said the 20-year-old had been driving the coaches mad with his enthusiasm and he would have played in a semi-final if Collingwood were playing this week.
Daicos’ inclusion will put pressure on Collingwood’s selectors, with Patrick Lipinski or Jack Ginnivan’s spot at risk and John Noble also hoping for a return after being dropped for the first time in three years ahead of the qualifying final.
Skipworth said Daicos was likely to play a half of simulated match practice on Friday as part of his preparation.
“He’s one of our fittest players. He’s naturally fit and he’s naturally skilful so he’s very lucky,” Skipworth said.
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