‘Finding it difficult’: Nathan Murphy to miss Pies’ pre-season games

Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy will remain on a “modified training program” and miss the club’s two upcoming practice matches, with his return date unclear.

Murphy was cleared to continue his AFL career by an expert concussion medical panel late last year after suffering his latest concussion in the Magpies’ grand final win over Brisbane.

However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Collingwood confirmed the 24-year old was still being managed in his return from the head knock and that his wellbeing was “paramount.”

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Murphy said he was still “finding it difficult” to get himself in the right space mentally to get back to competitive action.

“The club has been terrific in the way they have managed me but the reality is knowing the way I play the game, I have been finding it difficult to get myself in the right frame of mind to participate in match simulation,” Murphy said.

“I feel great and have the right support around me but the facts are I haven’t played a match since the Grand Final so right now, I am enjoying coming into the club, learning and participating in all the meetings, and taking part in training, all of the conditioning and gym work.

“It is important for me and everyone around me to ensure I am in the right frame of mind to be able to return to match simulation and AFL matches which I have every intention of doing.

“The club continues to support me through this and I hope people can understand and respect that.”

It comes after Murphy left a pre-season training session last month after being dumped in a tackle before returning shortly after.

His availability for the club’s Opening Round clash for the season proper against GWS in three weeks remain unknown.

“Nathan’s welfare, like the welfare of all our athletes and people, remains paramount,” Collingwood footy boss Graham Wright said.

“The last game Nathan played was the 2023 Grand Final and Nathan, together with everyone at the club, have since worked closely with him on his individual training program.

“Nathan will continue his individual program over the pre-season period and will return to match simulation when he is ready to do so.”