West Adelaide ruckman Oscar Steene is reportedly closing in on Collingwood’s vacant rookie list spot as the supplemental selection period nears its end.
The Age’s Pete Ryan reports Collingwood are set to meet early this week to make an official decision, but the 201-centimetre prospect has impressed in his time training with the club this pre-season.
Steene was overlooked in last year’s drafts, but the teenager could find his place at the Pies, who traded Brodie Grundy at the end of last season.
Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Thomas taking time away from Kangaroos | 01:13
Collingwood’s top ruck option, Darcy Cameron, suffered a hamstring strain at training last week, but is only expected to miss a couple of weeks of training.
Steene has shown glimpses of his potential during his time with West Adelaide, with his rucking and marking key standouts.
Another player vying for Collingwood’s final list spot is Oleg Markov, but Carlton is reportedly eyeing off the former Richmond and Gold Coast player.
The Blues now have a hole to fill in defence after Zac Williams ruptured his ACL, continuing his horrid run with injury since joining the club at the end of 2020.
Markov was delisted by the Suns in October after playing 28 games in two seasons, which came after five years and 23 senior games at Richmond.
He was sounded out by Collingwood about training with the club, but RSN’s Mark Stevens reports Markov is in “pole position” to join Carlton as a result of Williams being placed on the long-term injury list.
The supplemental selection period closes on February 15.