Collingwood will be without ruckman Darcy Cameron for up to eight weeks after scans confirmed he had injured the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Friday night against Richmond.
With Mason Cox also out for the next fortnight at least, the Magpies’ ruck stocks are severely depleted after they traded out Brodie Grundy in the off-season, with Aiden Begg also battling a sore back.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae admitted that lightly framed rookie Oscar Steene was probably not ready to make his debut against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, which means the Magpies will need to get creative.
Darcy Cameron is out for six to eight weeks after hurting his MCL. Credit:Getty
Magpies football manager Graham Wright said it was bad luck for Cameron, who was in good form in the opening rounds.
“We are all disappointed for Darcy, who at this stage will miss around six to eight weeks after he enjoyed such a strong start to this season,” Wright said.
“Darcy is an absolute professional who we know will be dedicated in his approach to his rehabilitation, and we expect to see him return to the senior side in the second half of the season.”
The unbeaten Collingwood travel to Brisbane to play the Lions on Thursday night, with former Lion Dan McStay a chance to handle the ruck duties.
