COLLINGWOOD premiership defender Ben Reid is closing in on a return to full training after knee surgery, Pies football manager Geoff Walsh says. 

Reid, 27, carried a posterior cruciate ligament injury from round four last year and was able to play on until the round 20 clash against Richmond, when his season was ended. 

Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au Reid would soon join the main group. 

"(Reid's) going really well. The steps that he's making each week are positive and he's not far away from full training. We're really pleased with his post-operation recovery," he said.

The 2011 All Australian has been running at training during the pre-season.

Fellow backman Tom Langdon has also been restricted to laps after a couple of issues, with a return a while off yet.

"He hurt his back in a gym incident lifting weights. He also had a bit of a niggle in his knee over that end of season period," Walsh said. 

"He's just being monitored and in the rehab group at the moment. Tommy's probably a few weeks away from full training."

Ankle and knee injuries meant Langdon played just five matches in 2016. 

The Magpies' first pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Sam McLarty, has been restricted to non-contact work after dealing with shoulder issues. 

"Sam McLarty is building the strength in his shoulder. He had a bit of a weakness in his shoulder," Walsh said. 

"We're getting him ready for some contact. He's doing some ball work without contact at the moment."

Tim Broomhead is on the comeback trail after shoulder surgery, while Ben Crocker (hip operation) and Brayden Sier (back) have been confined to running.

Rookie selection Mitch McCarthy, who can play as a ruck or as a tall at either end of the ground, had his TAC Cup campaign restricted to six matches by a stress fracture in the navicular bone in his foot.

"Mitch McCarthy had a navicular issue over the summer break. The docs are happy with his progress and he's transitioning towards full training as well," Walsh said.