COLLINGWOOD'S comeback win over Essendon in the opening JLT Community Series clash has come at a cost with another hamstring injury for Ben Sinclair.
But coach Nathan Buckley downplayed concerns star recruit Daniel Wells suffered a setback in a VFL game on Wednesday night.
The luckless Sinclair was helped from the field in the third quarter of his side's 11-point win over the Bombers after suffering another injury setback.
Buckley said the club did not know the severity of the injury yet, but that he felt for Sinclair, whose 2016 campaign was ruined by concussion issues.
"He's pretty sore but we'll get it scanned and see how he goes," Buckley said post-game.
"He's put a lot of work in but we'll see what the extent of the injury is and then we'll get on with it. It's unfortunate for him but we take it on the chin, get it right and then move on."
The speedy 25-year-old missed most of the 2014-15 seasons with hamstring problems and looks set for a later start to this year after the setback.
Wells has had to be managed carefully throughout the pre-season since crossing from North Melbourne last summer, and suffered a calf knock during a practice game this week.
"He's good. 'Wellsy' was scheduled for three [quarters in the game], he got a kick in the calf and we pulled him after two quarters," Buckley said. "He'll train this week and continue his step up in the work rate and load."
Sinclair's injury was the worst element of an otherwise encouraging night for the Pies, who overcame a 23-point deficit at the final change to storm past the Bombers with a six-goal last term (which included two supergoals).
Buckley said he was pleased with the club's batch of new – and returning – faces in the first hit-out, praising forward Jamie Elliott's energy and activity in the first half before he spent the second half resting on the interchange bench.
Elliott didn't play a game in 2016 as he nursed a serious back injury, but kicked 30 or more goals in the previous three seasons.
"He's got great intensity, he's a busy player when he plays footy. He tips into the defensive elements which we love, and he really hurts with his possessions," Buckley said.
"It was a good step for him – he was disappointed when he got pulled at half-time and he would have liked to play more, but we'll continue to step him up.
"He would have been capable of playing a lot longer tonight but he hasn't missed a beat since coming back at the beginning of pre-season."
The Pies continue their pre-season competition on March 4 against Fremantle, with Buckley indicating the bigger names who were not selected against the Bombers, including skipper Scott Pendlebury and midfielder Taylor Adams, will be picked to meet the Dockers.
