Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore Sidelined for Up to Four Weeks with Hamstring and Knee Injuries
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is set to miss up to four weeks of AFL action after sustaining a hamstring strain and knee inflammation during the team's recent victory over GWS. The key defender pulled up sore in his right hamstring after kicking the ball in the first quarter of Friday night's match, casting doubt on his immediate playing future.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Scans conducted after the game revealed that Moore has a low-grade hamstring strain along with an inflamed bursa behind his knee. This dual injury is expected to keep him out of action for three to four weeks, a significant blow to the Magpies' defensive lineup. Moore, who was playing his first game of the year following a pre-season calf injury, received treatment during the match and managed to play out the remainder of the game, but coach Craig McRae acknowledged that the player was "not right" going into the contest.
Collingwood football boss Charlie Gardiner expressed disappointment over the situation, stating, "We are obviously disappointed for Darcy. Scans yesterday showed he has sustained a low-grade hamstring strain along with an inflamed bursa behind his knee, which is expected to keep him out for the next three to four weeks. Darcy will continue to work closely with our medical and high-performance team as he progresses through his return-to-play timeline."
Impact on Upcoming Matches
Moore's absence will be felt acutely in the coming weeks, as he is ruled out for at least Thursday's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba, as well as subsequent games against Fremantle and Carlton. The 30-year-old defender will be in a race against time to recover in time for the highly anticipated Anzac Day match against Essendon, with Collingwood then scheduled to face Hawthorn on April 30. This injury leaves the Magpies short on key defensive stocks, with Billy Frampton now the only established big man in the backline.
Other players such as Jeremy Howe, Braydan Maynard, and Isaac Quaynor may need to step up as undersized key defenders to fill the void. In related news, the Magpies remain confident that veteran Scott Pendlebury, who is dealing with achilles tightness, will only miss the Brisbane clash, providing some relief amid the defensive concerns.



