THE QUESTION as to whether Collingwood's Luke Ball will make his long-awaited return to AFL football against Fremantle on Saturday will boil down to whether he has played enough VFL football to be certain he is ready to play at the high intensity required.
Ball was best on ground for Collingwood VFL on Sunday against Williamstown in his second hit-out since returning against Bendigo Gold a week earlier.
Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said the decision in relation to Ball came down to one question: "[He's] played well enough, but has he played long enough?"
Collingwood's VFL team has a bye this week, which means Ball would not play this week if he did not make his comeback for the seniors.
Walsh said that would be part of the consideration when match committee meets for the first time on Tuesday, as would the way Ball trains during this week.
Collingwood has taken a long-term view in relation to players returning from injury this year and no player has been selected who was not fit and prepared for the high intensity of senior football.
Ball last played AFL football in round three, 2012 when he hurt his knee against Carlton.
Walsh confirmed the news for elevated rookie Jack Frost was more disappointing, as he will miss the next five to six weeks with a grade one posterior cruciate ligament injury after hurting his knee against his former club on Sunday.
Frost, 21, made his AFL debut in round one and also played against the Hawks in round three. He performed well in the pre-season and had shaped as a solid back-up for the Magpies tall defenders.
Peter Ryan covers Collingwood Melbourne news for AFL.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter @AFL_petryan
