Bucks, Josh to play for Willi tomorrow?

[Mike]

Magpies may rush Fraser's return
By GEOFF POULTER
Herald Sun
21mar02

COLLINGWOOD may gamble on Josh Fraser's poor preparation and rush him back for next Thursday's season opener against Richmond.

Fraser trained freely yesterday and is likely to have his first pre-season hit-out tomorrow afternoon -- for Williamstown against Essendon at McHale Stadium.

The Magpies have applied to the AFL for approval for Fraser and captain Nathan Buckley to play in the game.

Essendon expects to be given permission to use Matthew Lloyd, Dean Solomon and Chris Heffernan in the VFL practice match.

Fraser's preparation has been extremely limited since he developed osteitis pubis about two months ago.

He has gradually increased his training schedule and would have two further sessions between tomorrow's game and next Thursday night's clash with the Tigers at the MCG.

"He got through training well. He has done everything required," Pies communications manager Robert Pyman said after yesterday's closed training session.

"But with osteitis pubis, there has to be an 'out' clause -- so as long as he doesn't pull up sore tomorrow (he'll play)."

Fraser is expected to play only part of tomorrow's game and then enjoy a six-day break before Round 1.

"He hadn't done much training for six or seven weeks," Pyman cautioned.

"It depends a lot on how much of game he plays . . . and then how he trains next week and how he pulls up."

Fraser, 20, is one of the most exciting youngsters in the league and was expected to blossom in his third season before injury struck.

Buckley trained well yesterday after missing the past two matches with a corked thigh.

"He is fine. He will be right for next Thursday night," Pyman said.

The only certain absentee from Round 1 among the regular Magpies will be forward Jarrod Molloy, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Defender Ryan Lonie (groin) is considered extremely doubtful.




[This message has been edited by Mike (edited 21 March 2002).]

[paulie]

So anyone else going to see the mighty gullers play tomorrow???