Collingwood Faces Uncertainty Over Darcy Moore’s Return
Collingwood is facing a difficult situation as skipper Darcy Moore could be sidelined for the rest of the season. Despite making a return to training, the progress of his hamstring injury has been slow. Coach Craig McRae acknowledged that while there are positive signs, the road to recovery remains long.
“There is more evidence to suggest he is moving in the right direction [but] there is still a long way to go,” McRae said on Thursday after Moore returned to training. He admitted that no one knows the exact timeline for Moore’s return and even considered the possibility that he might not play again this year.
“Potentially [that may be the case]. I don’t know if that is reality. I think he is progressing in the right direction to suggest he will, but I am not sure when,” McRae said. “Ideally, you get a body of work under him, and he plays, but I don’t know what that looks like.”
Moore spent time in the USA where he received advice on adjusting his movement to prevent further injury. McRae described the trip as a positive experience, though it may take some time before the benefits become apparent.
In Moore’s absence, veteran Jeremy Howe has stepped up, showing excellent form in the past month. However, Isaac Quaynor faced some issues during training, experiencing foot soreness. While McRae said Quaynor seemed okay, he would be monitored ahead of the upcoming match against Richmond.
The Magpies are expected to make only one change, with Scott Pendlebury returning after missing the win over Port Adelaide due to illness. Ned Long filled in for Pendlebury, but McRae did not indicate who might be left out for the veteran’s return.
Brayden Maynard trained strongly but is still at least a week away from returning from a shoulder injury. McRae suggested that Maynard might need a shoulder reconstruction if the injury does not hold up, but they are prepared to push forward for now.
Collingwood currently sits 11th on the ladder and is fighting to make the top 10 with their experienced squad. McRae expressed optimism about the improved form of players like Harry DeMattia and Charlie West in the VFL. While these players are unlikely to feature against the Tigers, their performance is creating selection pressure that the coach believes has been missing.
“I think in the last couple of weeks our VFL footy has been at a much better level and players are starting to play above VFL level, which is what we need. So that puts pressure on our selection,” McRae said. “We want to keep rewarding these young guys to get opportunities and force their way into the team. We probably haven’t had it at a level in recent times.”
Essendon’s Interim Coach Focused on the Present
Dean Solomon, the interim Essendon coach, is keeping his focus on preparing the Bombers for Sunday’s match against North Melbourne. Despite reports suggesting he is a preferred candidate for the permanent coaching role, Solomon has chosen not to engage in discussions about his future.
The club has yet to outline the process for selecting its next senior coach, and Essendon president Andrew Welsh has remained silent on the matter. A recent report claimed Solomon was ranked last among five candidates when Brad Scott was appointed four years ago, but Solomon dismissed the speculation.
“I still haven’t thought about it. My position hasn’t changed in that space. The interim role, I have to keep my eyes down in that space,” he said. “There are a lot of reports going on, a lot of conversations around myself, but right here, right now, inside my bubble, I’m just focusing on what I need to focus on.”
Solomon praised Zach Merrett, who has shown strong leadership since last year’s failed attempt to join Hawthorn. “It’s no doubt been a tough time for him, and the way he’s navigated it [is] incredibly well,” Solomon said. “He’s driving meetings, he’s been a real leader. I can’t ask any more of him. He’s been sensational for me, the last three or four weeks.”
The mid-season bye provided an opportunity for the team to reset and refresh, especially after the turbulence following Scott’s sacking. Several players, including captain Andrew McGrath, are set to return from injury.
Young gun Archie Roberts is also recovering from a shoulder dislocation and looks to have avoided surgery. “They spoke with Archie as well. He’s really keen to push to play. He’s progressing really well, he’s ahead of time, so we expect to see him in the next couple of weeks,” Solomon said.
Tony Modra Recovers from Near-Fatal Accident
Adelaide great Tony Modra is “out of the worst” after a near-fatal freak accident, according to his close friend Mark Ricciuto. Modra suffered facial injuries when a fallen tree branch crashed through the windshield of a truck he was driving near his cattle property south of Adelaide.
The 57-year-old, known for his spectacular playing career, was initially in critical condition. He has undergone facial surgeries and is still in pain, but Ricciuto said he is improving. “He’s improving a lot,” Ricciuto told Triple M. “He did not sound like the old Tony Modra, he sounded like a bloke who didn’t want to move his head – and basically couldn’t half move his head.”
Despite the pain, Modra maintained his sense of humor. “He still had Mods’ sense of humour which was awesome to hear, he was trying to have a laugh in super-tough times. He did sound like he was in enormous pain and he is because he’s had so many operations, but fingers crossed he’s had his last one there for a little while.”
Modra’s accident, which involved a tree branch crashing through his truck, triggered an emotional response from the AFL community. “He’s out of the worst the woods can be,” Ricciuto said. “Now he’s just living with the pain and waiting to get better and dealing with all the emotional stuff that you deal with, I guess, of having an accident and remembering parts of it.”
“He said he wants to chop the tree down … we were having a few laughs, that’s typical Modra chat. It was just good to have a little bit of a giggle as much as he could.”
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