**Collingwood in Heartbreak: Magpies Struggle as Injury Crisis Hits Hard Ahead of 2025 Season**
As the Collingwood Football Club prepares for what was expected to be an exciting 2025 season, a series of devastating injuries has cast a shadow over their aspirations, leaving fans and players alike grappling with uncertainty. After an off-season full of promise and hope, the Magpies now face an uphill battle as key players succumb to injury, and the team’s depth is severely tested.
### A Glimmer of Hope Turned to Heartache
The Magpies entered the 2025 season with optimism, eager to build on their solid performances from the previous year and push for a top spot in the AFL standings. However, the injury curse has struck early, with a number of high-profile players sidelined, including key figures in the midfield and forward lines. The timing couldn’t be worse for Collingwood, as they were hoping to capitalize on their pre-season preparation and make a serious run at the premiership.
One of the most gut-wrenching blows came with the news that star midfielder Jordan De Goey is expected to miss a significant portion of the season due to a recurring hamstring injury. De Goey, who has been a pivotal player for the Magpies in recent years, is a key driver of their attack and his absence will be deeply felt on the field. As one of the club’s premier talents, his injury raises concerns not only for the immediate future but also for the long-term impact on Collingwood’s chances in 2025.
### A Season of Setbacks
In addition to De Goey’s injury, Collingwood has been hit by a string of other setbacks. Veteran midfielder Scott Pendlebury, who has been a mainstay for the club, is also nursing an injury that has put his availability for the early rounds of the season in doubt. With two of the team’s most influential players on the sidelines, Collingwood faces a real test of its depth and resilience.
The injury list doesn’t stop there. Young star Nick Daicos, who was expected to continue his meteoric rise after an outstanding debut season, has been hampered by a niggling groin injury that has kept him out of the pre-season matches. While Daicos is expected to return eventually, his delayed start raises further concerns over how quickly the team can adapt and hit the ground running in 2025.
### The Weight of Expectations
For Collingwood fans, the news of these injuries has been a bitter pill to swallow. The club had made significant moves in the off-season to strengthen the squad, bringing in new talent and looking forward to an exciting season. But with key players now out of action, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the team can overcome these challenges and still remain competitive.
Despite these setbacks, the Magpies remain determined to fight through the adversity. The club’s leadership, including coach Craig McRae, has already stated that they will not let these injuries define their season. “It’s an unfortunate situation, but we have a deep squad, and we will find a way to stay competitive,” McRae said in a recent interview. “Injuries are part of the game, but it’s how we respond that will determine our season.”
### The Road Ahead
With the 2025 season now just around the corner, Collingwood is left with the daunting task of rallying without some of their most crucial players. While the challenges ahead are undeniable, the club’s fighting spirit, combined with the resilience of the entire team, may still provide a flicker of hope for the fans.
Injuries may have cast a dark cloud over Collingwood’s pre-season, but as the Magpies take to the field, they will do so with the unwavering support of their loyal fanbase, hoping that brighter days are just around the corner. Whether or not this season turns into a story of triumph or heartbreak, only time will tell, but for now, Collingwood is doing everything in its power to keep its premiership dream alive despite the setbacks.