Magpies face tough decision over injured Molloy - The Age

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By Martin Blake
June 6 2002

Collingwood is confronting a difficult decision over the medium-term future of Jarrod Molloy as the hard-hitting forward battles the effects of a broken toe.

Football operations manager Neil Balme acknowledged yesterday that the Magpies had to consider resting Molloy, who has continued playing with the injury since breaking his toe in round seven against Western Bulldogs.

"That's a decision we make every week because he obviously is under a bit of duress and he has been sore," Balme said last night. "That's a decision we're going to have to make pretty soon.

"If he can get away with it, that's fine. But obviously he can't run with it much during the week so he probably can't improve his condition. It probably is a long-term decision we have to make."

The proximity of the split round is a factor in the decision about Molloy, who was runner-up in the Copeland Trophy count last season. The Magpies, who meet Melbourne at the MCG on Monday, play Fremantle the following weekend, then have a break until June 29.

Molloy's possible absence could make room for centre half-back Mark Richardson, who resumed from injury in the VFL last weekend and performed well. Balme said Richardson would be "in the chop-up" for selection.

"We're probably in a good position where we don't have to rush him back whereas in the past we have. He'll be keen to play," he said.

Utility Tarkyn Lockyer is under scrutiny because of his rolled ankle, and he was still moving gingerly when the Magpies trained at the MCG last night. Balme said the club was "pretty sure he'll be OK", but this seemed to be an optimistic view.

Collingwood has not played at the MCG since its opening four matches of the season were scheduled at its home ground. The Magpies have not been back to the shrine since the momentous defeat of Essendon on Anzac Day, spending more time at the Docklands recently.

Balme conceded that after their recent winning streak, the Magpies would need to guard against complacency. "That's always a danger. It's a long season and you have to be up for every game," he said.

He also said the Magpies were wary of Melbourne since the Demons had tended towards a win-loss-win-loss record this season, and they were coming off a defeat by Geelong.


"Racetracks are for racing, roads are for getting there."