Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is fighting to return this season as he grapples with persistent soft-tissue injuries. The key defender returned to Magpies training on Thursday after recently spending time in the United States to build strength and consult specialists. Moore is dealing with another hamstring injury, sustained during Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking game against West Coast on May 23. This marks his fourth soft-tissue injury this season, and he is also recovering from an inflamed bursa in his knee.
Coach admits Moore may miss remainder of season
Collingwood coach Craig McRae acknowledged that Moore might not play again in 2026, despite still hoping to see the premiership skipper on the field this year. “Potentially. I don’t know if that’s reality, but he’s progressing the right direction to suggest he will, but I’m not sure when,” McRae said of Moore’s chances. “There’s still a long way to go. Pleasing he did a good running session (on Thursday) so good to get a block under him. It’s (the US trip) given him some feedback around some certain areas, and now he can add a couple of minor adjustments to his mechanics and the way he moves, which takes time to change behaviours.”
Brayden Maynard aims to return within weeks
Rugged defender Brayden Maynard is targeting a return within the next fortnight despite suffering a shoulder dislocation. The vice-captain will miss Saturday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG. “At this stage he’s bullish that he can play next week, but he’s bullish to play this week,” McRae said. “These shoulders that pop in and out ... they need to strengthen. Some of them can hold, but in reality, most at some stage get stressed, and then you go in for a full reconstruction. We’re going to take some risks on him, ‘Hayesy’ (Will Hayes) and ‘Howsey’ (Noah Howes) in the VFL program. Those three all have similar injuries, but at some stage we’re going to have to push this to see if it can sustain the level of intensity required.”
Magpies sit 11th after scrappy win
Collingwood currently sits 11th on the ladder, coming off a scrappy win against Port Adelaide where star duo Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey were the standout players. Pendlebury will return to face Richmond after missing the Port Adelaide game due to illness. McRae noted that younger, inexperienced players are starting to push for AFL selection. “But in the last couple of weeks, our VFL footy has been at a much better level and players are starting to play above VFL level, which is what we need. We want to keep rewarding these young guys to get opportunities and then force their way into the team. We probably haven’t had it at a level we would like in recent times.”
