Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott will require ankle surgery that is expected to keep him from full training until the New Year.

The decision to operate was made after Elliott presented at training today with continuing soreness in his left ankle. A subsequent scan confirmed the need for surgery.

Collingwood Director of Football, Geoff Walsh, explained that further rest was unlikely to allow the 25 year-old two-time Gordon Coventry Award winner to properly prepare for the 2018 season.

“The injury was one Jamie played with late this year. The recommendation post-season was that with a spell from the rigours of playing and training the ankle would heal. Unfortunately the healing process has been slower than expected and surgery is now appropriate,” Walsh said.

“We’re expecting to have Jamie back into the full training program by late January.”