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'Touch and go': Collingwood backman closes on return

Roger VaughanAAP
Brayden Maynard was injured in Collingwood's King's Birthday loss, but may return against the Suns. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconBrayden Maynard was injured in Collingwood's King's Birthday loss, but may return against the Suns. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Collingwood hard nut Brayden Maynard is on the verge of returning for their massive AFL away match against Gold Coast.

Sidelined since this month's King's Birthday loss to Melbourne with a dislocated shoulder, the defender had a solid training session on Friday to boost his chances of a recall.

"He's touch and go - he did a really good session indoors yesterday and a lot more one-on-one, combative stuff that he needed to get through," coach Craig McRae said after Saturday's match.

"It will be interesting how that goes."

Saturday's twilight win over Richmond was only the second time this season the Magpies have gone back-to-back.

They are ninth with a 7-7-1 record, half a game ahead of the Suns, who are taking a four-game losing streak into Sunday's away match against top side Fremantle.

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The Magpies kicked more than 100 points for only the second time this season. While McRae said that is not something they use as a measure, he was pleased that they were much more efficient in attack against the Tigers.

They scored a whopping 91 points from turnovers, a credit to their pressure.

"It's nice, it's feedback," McRae said.

"It's nice to feel like there are parts of our game that are in tune."

While forwards Dan McStay and Lachie Schultz were seen having an animated exchange at three-quarter time, Collingwood's attack looked much more potent as Saturday's game progressed.

"We have a bit of a licorice all-sorts forward line at times, and we're finding ways to kick 100 points," McRae said.

Jordan De Goey also continued his excellent run of mid-season form, racking up 27 possessions, a goal and seven score assists.

McRae said De Goey's high-speed running during the Richmond win was at a career-best level, and praised him for his sustained form over the past six weeks.

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