Collingwood Magpies forward Beau McCreery faces a race against time to be fit for the 2025 AFL season opener after undergoing off-season foot surgery that will keep him off the track until at least late January.
Surgery Ends Off-Season Struggles
The 24-year-old speedster has been battling the foot problem for months, with the injury persisting throughout Collingwood's 2025 finals campaign. Club medical staff ultimately made the decision to proceed with surgery in the past fortnight, hoping to resolve the issue once and for all.
McCreery's determination saw him play through the pain during the crucial finals period, but the ongoing discomfort necessitated surgical intervention. The procedure represents a significant setback for the emerging forward, who now faces a dramatically compressed preparation for the new season.
Tight Timeline for Season Return
If McCreery's recovery progresses without complications, he'll have just five to six weeks to regain full fitness and prove his readiness for selection before Collingwood's first match of the 2025 season against St Kilda on March 8.
This truncated pre-season presents a substantial challenge for both player and club. The limited training window means McCreery will need to accelerate his rehabilitation program while ensuring he doesn't risk further injury by returning too quickly.
Continuing Injury Concerns
The foot surgery adds to what has been an injury-interrupted year for the young Magpie. During the 2024 season, McCreery managed only 19 senior games due to various soft-tissue problems that disrupted his consistency and development.
Collingwood fans will be hoping this latest procedure provides a long-term solution to McCreery's fitness issues, allowing the explosive forward to build on his promising career without further interruptions. The club's medical team will monitor his progress closely throughout the summer months.
With the season opener rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on McCreery's rehabilitation timeline as Collingwood aims to start their 2025 campaign on a positive note against traditional rivals St Kilda.
