![Up and running: New Magpie Daniel Wells in a training session at Olympic Park Oval.](/web/20170127201005im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/y/i/f/s/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gtyhnr.png/1485334889287.jpg)
Not often does such good news emanate from a small pre-season training drill in January, but the appearance of veteran recruit Daniel Wells certainly put a smile on the faces of Collingwood medical staff at the Holden Centre.
Before Christmas, in his first pre-season hitout with the Pies, there were fears the former Kangaroo had again suffered soft-tissue problems.
Wells left a training session early, with many fearing the 31-year-old had again broken down just a month after joining his new club.
However, it would seem those fears were ungrounded, with Wells joining full match practice for the second time this week.
He played a half of each game and emerged in one piece from his return to contested football.
"Daniel is tracking along really well, as planned," said Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh. "Bill Davoren and his high-performance team have managed him astutely, building his stamina through the pre-Christmas period without taking any undue risks.
"Daniel played some time in both of our match-like hitouts this week and, right now, he is on track to participate in our pre-season campaign.
"He has attacked his work and is building his preparation up nicely. "
Collingwood have been methodical and diligent with Wells' soft-tissue and calf problems, putting the former Kangaroos champion on a modified program before Christmas.
High-performance experts believe he will be part of an intra-club game on February 8.
Wells moved freely during the match practice, restoring the Pies' faith after they offered the unrestricted free agent a three-year deal worth nearly $1.8 million.
He was very much part of the Kangaroos' set-up, but rejected a two-year deal, despite having spent his entire career at North Melbourne.
Fitness was always going to be a concern, with foot, calf and Achilles injuries costing him a number of playing opportunities in the past three years.
In fact, Wells could put together only 12 games in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but re-emerged last year, playing 19 games and averaging 23 disposals.
While the Collingwood army were elated with Wells' progress, another key player has caught the eye this summer, with Jamie Elliott returning to football after missing the entire 2016 season.
The 24-year-old has worked hard in all pre-season training sessions, emerging in excellent shape and promising to be an important player in the club's bid to rise up the ladder this season.
He was badly missed last year, and the side desperately need him to return in top form and bring potency close to goal.