Collingwood youngster Matt Scharenberg is not far off finally making his AFL debut, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said.
Scharenberg, the No.6 selection in the 2013 National Draft, has endured a horror injury run since joining the Pies.
He had foot surgery last February to remove sesamoid bones, and then ruptured his left anterior cruciate ligament in a VFL game late last August.
The 19-year-old has now played seven VFL games after returning from the reconstruction.
While preaching caution, Buckley said he was impressed with Scharenberg's progress in the past month.
"Every week at VFL level he is adding 5 per cent to his level (of performance)," the coach said.
Buckley added Scharenberg was also adapting quickly to team structures.
The South Australian has played mainly in defence at VFL level.
However with the Magpies playing well and their injury list small, they have been able to progress with caution with Scharenberg.
"He's not far off," Buckley said.
"It's pretty exciting to see him come through."
Collingwood's other early draft pick from that season, Nathan Freeman, is also yet to play a senior game having endured hamstring problems since being the No.10 pick at the 2013 National Draft.
