Collingwood ruck Oscar Steene has copped a devastating blow just weeks after his AFL debut with scans confirming a ruptured ACL.
The 22-year-old’s left knee buckled following a ruck contest in the third quarter of the Magpies’ six-point loss to Sydney on Friday night.
The ACL injury brings an abrupt end to a promising start to his career, with Steene having played eight straight games since the “dream come true” of his first call-up.
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“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,” Pies football boss Charlie 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.
“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.”
Jack Buller and Dan McStay were made to fill Steene’s void against the Swans but struggled against an in-form Brodie Grundy.
Former Magpies ruck Grundy, who won the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal for his best-on-ground performance, said he was left impressed by Steene prior to his injury.
“I hope Oscar’s okay, like it looked quite bad, really,” Grundy said.
“Best wishes to him. He’s a great young talent.
“I’ve been watching him all year, and he gave me a few headaches there.
“He can jump through the roof. Best wishes to him, hopefully he’s okay.”
Steene’s absence will at least be covered by No.1 ruck Darcy Cameron’s return from an ankle injury that kept him out of the Swans clash.
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore and Pat Lipinski are also set to play after concussion absences.
“We’re hopeful,” coach Craig McRae said of the prospects of the trio returning.
“They’ve done everything to now and are getting through next week, and they’re likely to be available. Darcy Cameron’s likely to be available.
“We’ll get a few troops back. ‘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, with the move allowing 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 said.
“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.
“Five and six-day breaks, all the data says that he’s just getting to the line, and we’re looking after him, and we’ll celebrate him appropriately.”
Key forward Tim Membrey (hamstring) could also return for the Magpies, while midfielder Harry Perryman is at least two weeks away.
– with AAP
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