Jeremy Howe’s adductor issue might be healed until grand final week as Adelaide get Josh Rachele back for Hawks clash

The return of Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe could impose a grand final week headache on coach Craig McRae with his recovery from an adductor injury set to go down to the wire. But it’s all good news at Adelaide on the injury front, with star forward Josh Rachele available for selection in Friday night’s must-win semi final against Hawthorn nearly 10 weeks after hurting his knee. Rachele, 22, has completed his rehab from a posterior capsular tear sustained against Melbourne in round 17 and, having successfully taken part in full training over the past week, could make a return against the Hawks to help the minor premiers avoid a straight-sets finals exit. “Josh has passed every test we’ve given him and has done a hell of a lot of work in the past month,” Adelaide high performance boss Darren Burgess said. “He’s feeling great, he’s been knocking on all of our doors for the past two weeks saying he’s ready. “He’ll be available for selection assuming he gets through training.” Magpies veteran Howe hurt himself in round 24 and has been racing against the clock to restore some stability to the Magpies’ back six. He has been listed as 1-2 weeks away, meaning he could be available for selection ahead of the preliminary or grand final. Collingwood captain Darcy Moore allayed any concerns around a smaller backline with a stirring performance against Adelaide in last week’s qualifying final, but Howe would be a welcomed return if fit. Howe is not the only star Magpie racing the clock, as Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill does everything he can to earn a September lifeline. Hill cancelled a guest appearance in Tasmania on Saturday to play in a scratch match between Collingwood and Geelong’s reserve players. The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist kicked four goals and is putting his hand up to play the winner of Brisbane or Gold Coast. McRae has made a series of tough finals calls, axing John Noble despite playing every home-and-away game ahead of the 2023 decider and omitting Dan McStay for Mason Cox last week.