Collingwood star Tom Mitchell admits his lengthy recovery from a foot injury has been “frustrating” as he aims for a return this season to aid the club’s faltering premiership defence.

After starting a running program last week, Mitchell experienced renewed soreness in his foot, delaying his return to the field.

The 31-year-old hasn’t played since Anzac Day, having undergone surgery in June to address issues with his plantar fascia.

Speaking to foxfooty.com.au this week, Mitchell acknowledged that post-surgery recovery “doesn’t always go perfectly to plan,” but he remained positive about his progress.

“It’s nothing we’re too concerned about; it’s just part of the process and it’s going to take a bit longer than we initially thought,” he said.

“Things are still going well. I’m running and feeling better than I was before the surgery, so I’m seeing plenty of small improvements at the moment.

“I’d love to play this year. I obviously love playing footy and want to be out there helping the team. Playing is definitely my goal.”

After being limited by the injury early in the season, Mitchell said it got to a point where his foot “became too sore” daily, and he was “going downhill” – including not training or running as they opted for surgery.

While Mitchell’s rehab has been the veteran midfielder’s main priority, he’s also used his time on the sidelines to focus on being the best teammate he can.

One of many injuries at Collingwood this season to compound its on-field issues, Mitchell said it “wasn’t all doom and gloom” in that it’s helped the club expose young talent, including unearthing six debutants.

But with only six home games remaining, Mitchell’s return, like the club’s premiership defence, is running out of time.

“It’s been frustrating, but I think I’ve managed to hold myself together pretty well and found ways to improve in other spaces rather than just on the field,” he said.

“I’ve focused on being a good teammate, contributing in meetings, and being a good leader to the younger guys.

“I’m putting a lot of energy into my rehab at the moment, and hopefully the tide will turn and I’ll be able to get out there very soon.”

Mitchell has experienced the highs and lows of footy.

It includes the ex-Hawk and Swan winning the Brownlow Medal in 2018 before a broken leg wiped out his entire 2019 season. And coming off last year’s premiership win for Collingwood, he’s again found himself on the sidelines for a lengthy stint.

The gun on-baller said his broken leg remains the toughest period of his career, but noted whenever you’re in the middle of something, it feels the most frustrating.

“You reflect, and there’s probably been harder times in my career like having a season-ending injury with a broken leg. Not being picked to play early days was also in the conversation,” he said.

“But this is frustrating, and you wouldn’t be a competitor if you weren’t frustrated.”

While there’s no timeline as such on when he’ll get back, Mitchell remains “very hungry” to help the club’s wavering premiership defence.

“Your motivation as an athlete is always there. But when it’s taken away from you and you can’t play, you really realize how much you miss it,” he said.

“There’s nothing better than playing in front of a big crowd at the MCG. I’m working super hard to get ready for it.”

On Pies’ Shaky Flag Defence

Craig McRae’s side has dropped off in multiple areas and lacked the same spark as last year, currently sitting 12th on the ladder amid a three-game losing streak. It’s meant Collingwood’s spot in the finals is slipping away, much less its flag defence.

While Mitchell said the club has “avoided using the back-to-back language since day one,” it understood the urgency to rapidly turn things around.

“Obviously in a bit of a rut in terms of the win/loss at the moment… we understand we need to start playing some good footy pretty quickly,” he said.

“We’ve identified that we can’t keep going on this path and need to start playing better straight away.”

The Pies have been renowned for reshaping their culture under McRae to embrace family and a more relaxed approach, culminating in last year’s premiership. It’s posed a question of whether the club can maintain that outlook when it’s not winning as many games.

But Mitchell said the club has been “pretty balanced and level” in staying positive through the current slide and remaining authentic.

“I think naturally when you’re winning things are easier and when you’re losing things are harder,” he said.

“If you came into the club, a lot of the time you wouldn’t know if we’ve won or lost. Everyone is the full version of themselves, the meetings still have plenty of humour, we come in and have a good time but still work bloody hard.

“Nothing really changes in the day-to-day. In terms of any sporting environment I’ve been a part of, it’s definitely a great place to be.

“We’d like to be winning every single game, and we understand fans want the same even if it’s not realistic. But we come to work and try to improve while having a good time at the same time.”

And McRae, who’s long embodied that positive demeanour during Collingwood’s recent success, has “led better than anyone” through harder times.

“What people don’t get to see is what he’s like behind closed doors in team meetings and at the club,” Mitchell said of his coach.

“The way he treats everyone and respects and appreciates everyone’s efforts. If anything, I would say he’s been a better version of himself.”

Mitchell also defended Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore, who’s worn the brunt of the criticism for the team’s drop-off this season, saying he’s represented the club “better than any AFL captain” he’s seen before.

He revealed Moore has been leading the charge with his work ethic behind the scenes on how both the team and individuals can improve.

“We’ve worked on a lot of extra things on our game as individuals and he’s someone who’s really led that,” Mitchell said.

“Every single player on the list, not just Darcy, would like to be playing better. It’s hard when you’re one of the stars because you probably get analysed and criticised more, that’s what goes with our industry.

“He’s capable of handling criticism but also responding. He’s a great player and a premiership captain and we love him.”

 On Crunch Clash with Hawks, Ginnivan

Mitchell’s injury means the star midfielder won’t be joining teammates for Saturday’s must-win clash against his former side Hawthorn.

The Pies, however, will be boosted by the return of Dan McStay in his first AFL appearance in 2024 after an ACL injury as well as Jeremy Howe.

Last time these sides met in Gather Round, Collingwood survived the then winless Hawks’ second-half avalanche to escape with a five-point victory.

A lot has changed since though, with Sam Mitchell’s Hawks completely turning around their season and charging into top eight contention behind their exciting crop of young guns, including former Magpie Jack Ginnivan.

And now the stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner to stay in the hunt for a finals spot, while the loser’s top-eight hopes will be all but dashed.

Mitchell had nothing but love for his former side and was happy to see how quickly it’s come on since his departure at the end of 2022.

“They’re doing great, and it’s great to see,” he said.

“It’s good to see ‘Ginni’ (Ginnivan) over there playing good footy. Guys like Conor Nash, who’s worked so hard on his game and is playing great footy. Dylan Moore is in All-Australian conversation, and Will Day is playing great footy.

“There’s a large number of those guys who will play a lot of footy together and are already doing great things.”

Mitchell remains close friends with Ginnivan as the small forward prepares to play Collingwood for the second time since his exit at the end of last season – and the first time at the MCG.

“We were texting a little bit last night and have been chatting about doing a more regular (Ball Magnets) podcast together,” Mitchell said.

“He’s a good friend of mine. We had dinner together recently with Isaac Quaynor and like to keep in touch.

“He’s doing great there, and it’s really good to see… I’ve played for three clubs; people move on and take on new challenges.

“It’s always good to keep good relationships with everyone, and I’d like to continue that with ‘Ginni.’ We’ve always got along well and obviously played in the premiership together, so I’m sure the friendship will last a long time.”