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COLLINGWOOD will modify Ben Reid’s pre-season training program in a bid to keep the swingman from Bright on the field next year.
Reid, who is poised to play his 100th match for the Magpies, managed just four matches last season as he was struck down by a series of soft tissue injuries.
Nathan Buckley said earlier this year it was his preference for the 2011 All-Australian defender to play in the forward line but for now, that’s the least of his worries.
He just wants the 25-year-old to play.
“Reidy’s first port of call is to get his body right,” Buckley said.
“He’s been one of those players over the past couple of years that hasn’t been able to find that physical resilience to get through games of footy and get fit enough to be able to play consistently throughout the season.
“We’ll manage and tailor his pre-season and we’ll change a few things so he won’t do a normal program.
“We’ll find a different way of getting him up to speed.
“Whether it’s in front of the ball or behind is secondary to getting him up and about.”
Buckley was also optimistic 2011 Brownlow medallist Dane Swan could return to his best after an injury-hit year.
Swan played 17 matches last season but was hampered by a foot injury and Buckley suggested he was a “forgotten man” heading into the new campaign.
“Swanny’s got such pride in his performance,” he said.
“He doesn’t like to admit that he’s sore, he just likes to work through it because he feels like he’d be letting the team down if he pulls out but it was probably the alternate that was true, he tried to push through too much.
“Having that open relationship and being able to talk about how his body is from now on in is going to be really important.
“He will be hungry to get back to some of his best footy.”