Collingwood Ruckman Oscar Steene Faces Season-Ending ACL Injury
Collingwood has confirmed that young ruckman Oscar Steene will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a recent match. The 22-year-old’s left knee gave way in the third quarter of the Magpies’ six-point loss to Sydney on Friday night, marking a devastating blow for the team and the player.
Scans conducted on Saturday revealed the severity of the injury, with Steene requiring a knee reconstruction. The news has been met with disappointment from the club, particularly from football boss Charlie Gardiner, who praised Steene’s resilience and determination.
“Oscar has worked extremely hard over the past few years to overcome injuries and get his opportunity at AFL level, so we are all incredibly disappointed for him,” Gardiner said. “Since debuting earlier this year, Oscar has been an exciting addition to the team with his athleticism and competitiveness, suggesting he has a bright future ahead.”
The club is committed to supporting Steene through his recovery, acknowledging his strength and drive. “This is an unfortunate setback for Oscar which we’ll support him through, but he is a resilient and determined young guy who we know will put everything into his recovery.”
Key Players Missing in Loss to Sydney
In addition to Steene’s injury, several other key players were sidelined during the match against Sydney. Scott Pendlebury (rested), Darcy Moore (concussion), Patrick Lipinski (concussion), and No.1 ruck Darcy Cameron (ankle) were all absent as the Magpies fell 11.15 (81) to 10.15 (75) at the SCG.
Despite starting with a commanding 33-point lead, the visitors struggled to maintain their advantage as the Swans mounted a thrilling second-half fightback. Coach Craig McRae acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, but also highlighted the positive outlook for the coming weeks.
“We’ll get a few troops back,” McRae said. “‘Pendles’ will be back for his big milestone, we’re looking forward to celebrating that.”
McRae defended his decision to rest Pendlebury for the second time in three rounds, explaining that the move was strategic to allow the 38-year-old to play his 433rd game and break the VFL/AFL games record in front of a home crowd at the MCG next week against West Coast.
“Would you want to celebrate the record for the most games in the history of the game here tonight or would you rather do it next week at the MCG?” McRae asked. “That’s a simple question, and respectfully, when ‘Pendles’ has played that many games, we want to make sure that we celebrate him in the right manner. His body isn’t as bulletproof as you think it is.”
McRae emphasized the importance of rest and recovery for veteran players, citing data that supports the need for five and six-day breaks. “We’re looking after him, and we’ll celebrate him appropriately.”
Replacing Steene in the Ruck
With Steene out, Jack Buller and Dan McStay were called upon to fill the void in the ruck, though they struggled against an in-form Brodie Grundy. The former Magpies ruckman, who won the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal for his best-on-ground performance, expressed admiration for Steene.
“Best wishes to him (Oscar Steene). He’s a great young talent,” Grundy said. “I’ve been watching him all year, and he gave me a few headaches there … He can jump through the roof.”
Other Injuries and Return Possibilities
In addition to Steene, key forward Tim Membrey (hamstring) could return for the Magpies, while midfielder Harry Perryman is expected to be out for at least two weeks. These developments highlight the challenges the team faces as they navigate the remainder of the season.
With a mix of setbacks and potential comebacks, Collingwood will need to rely on depth and resilience as they continue their campaign. The loss of Steene is a significant blow, but the club remains focused on supporting its players and maintaining a strong competitive edge.
