Fringe Collingwood ruckman Oscar Steene is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a toe injury that requires surgery. The setback is a blow for Steene, who was hoping to establish himself in the senior team after joining the Magpies in 2022.
The injury occurred during a VFL match over a week ago, prompting the need for surgical intervention to address the issue. With Steene anticipated to be out for at least three months, Collingwood will have to make do without his services for the foreseeable future.
While Steene faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, there’s some positive news for Collingwood as several key players make strides in their recovery. Harry DeMattia, Nathan Kreuger, and Jakob Ryan have all returned to full training in recent days, providing a boost to the team’s depth and options.
Pre-season recruit Joshua Eyre is also progressing well in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the preseason. Eyre’s gradual increase in workload indicates that he could be back in contention for selection sooner rather than later, adding another dimension to Collingwood’s forward line.
Meanwhile, forward Dan McStay has resumed training after spending some time away from the club. McStay, who joined Collingwood from Brisbane, has been nursing an ACL injury since the preseason. While his return date remains uncertain, the fact that he’s back on the training track is a positive sign for both McStay and the Magpies.
Collingwood’s medical staff will continue to monitor Steene’s recovery closely and provide him with the necessary support to ensure he returns to full fitness. In the meantime, the team will look to capitalize on the return of DeMattia, Kreuger, Ryan, and Eyre, as well as McStay’s gradual reintroduction to training, as they strive to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and maintain their competitiveness in the AFL season ahead.