Collingwood have confirmed their AFL premiership hopes have suffered a massive blow, with defender Jeremy Howe sidelined for three to four weeks.
Howe, one of the Magpies' most important players, was subbed out of last week's win over Melbourne with a groin injury.
The 35-year-old had recovered from hamstring and concussion injuries ahead of the Melbourne game.
However, the club confirmed on Tuesday he had an adductor strain, potentially sidelining him for a month. That means he might not play again this season unless Collingwood make the grand final.
But the injury news is much brighter at Hawthorn. Josh Weddle could return through the VFL this weekend, potentially giving the Hawks' finals campaign a massive boost.
The 21-year-old utility had good news from Monday morning scans, which were a crucial step in his return from a back injury.
Coach Sam Mitchell said late last week that while Hawthorn remained optimistic, Weddle's season would be over if the scans showed ongoing problems.
Instead, one of Hawthorn's best players this season could play for VFL affiliates Box Hill in their Saturday home qualifying final against Southport.
If that was successful, the Hawks would make a call on whether he returns for their AFL elimination final on the road against either GWS or Fremantle.
Weddle has not played at any level since round 16 in late June because of bone stress in his back. There were initial fears his season might be over.
He had played 57 consecutive games since his 2023 senior debut.
Hawks high performance manager Peter Burge said on the club website that Weddle's scan results were "very good".
"He has now been cleared to return to match play. He resumed some training with the group last week and he will fully train this week.
"We are considering him for selection for the VFL final on Saturday, but we'll make a decision on that as a match committee later in the week."
The good news on Weddle is timely after Hawthorn's tight loss to Brisbane on Sunday night.
That consigned the Hawks to an away elimination final. Depending on qualifying final results, they might have to win on the road for three-straight weeks to reach the grand final.
The Western Bulldogs won the 2016 premiership from outside the top four, as did Brisbane last season, but their September campaigns featured one final at home before the grand final.
Burge also said Harry Morrison would be tested next week as he recovers from a quad injury.
