EXILED Collingwood midfielder Jordan De Goey could be back playing for the Pies in round two after returning to the training track on Monday.
De Goey was back with the senior squad on Monday after a four-week club suspension for drink-driving.
The 22-year-old tested his injured hamstring in the individual lunchtime session at the club's Olympic Park headquarters.
De Goey has already been ruled out for Saturday night's clash with Hawthorn, but teammate Adam Treloar said he could be in line to face Greater Western Sydney the following week.
"He was back today. It's awesome having him back, he's a bubbly character to be around," Treloar said.
"I think [his timeline now] is just a couple of weeks.
"If he can train this week, then potentially round two, I'm not quite sure.
"I hope so, because he's so important to us."
De Goey injured his hamstring at VFL training on March 6.
As part of his club-imposed sanction, the former first-round draft pick had to train with the VFL squad after working during the day for at least four weeks.
Treloar said the players hadn't had much to do with him during that time, but felt he had the chance to now atone for his poor decision last month.
"We just want him to get better," he said.
"We want great people at the footy club and that is him, and if he can learn from his mistakes and know that us as a team and us as a footy club are well and truly behind him because he's such an important player and person to us, we'll welcome him back with open arms.
"We can't wait to see him play again.
"I think he's going to have an awesome season."
De Goey will look to earn back the respect of his teammates following his time away, which included time on the worksite and with the Salvation Army, a $10,000 fine and a season-long alcohol ban.
Meanwhile, injured forward Jamie Elliott also tested out his ankle following surgery in November as he pushes for an early return to the field.
Draftee Jaidyn Stephenson and ex-Sydney rookie Sam Murray are among those in contention to debut against the Hawks, while those lacking match conditioning after limited pre-seasons including Elliott, Daniel Wells and possibly Alex Fasolo have Friday's VFL practice hit-out against Box Hill as a training option.
