AFL Mid-Season Draft: Coburg ruckman Cooper Keogh to miss rest of season amid Essendon interest

One of the leading contenders to fill the ruck void on Essendon’s list will miss the rest of the season after a cruelly-timed injury in the VFL.

Coburg ruckman and AFL mid-season draft aspirant Cooper Keogh will miss the rest of the season after scans revealed a Lisfranc injury to his left foot.

He suffered the injury during Sunday’s match against Carlton at Coburg City Oval.

Essendon, needing to reinforce its thin ruck stocks, was keen on Keogh, a 26-year-old late-developing ruckman described by Coburg official Jeremy Dickson last year as a “competitive animal’’.

Coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara said the former basketballer would need surgery.

“It’s pretty raw for him at the moment,’’ he said.

“Injuries are a part of footy unfortunately, but obviously the timing of it isn’t ideal for him or for anyone.’’

EXCLUSIVE STATS: EVERY STATE LEAGUE PLAYER RANKED

Cooper Keogh in action for Coburg. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

But Cassidy-McNamara said Keogh was a resilient character and would present again.

“He’s not going to be any smaller when he comes back,’’ he said.

“If he shows the resilience we know he’s got over this next rehab period, it will make him more attractive to clubs. I’m pretty confident in his character. I’m pretty confident he’ll come back stronger.’’

Essendon list and recruiting manager Matt Rosa was at Coburg on Sunday to watch Keogh, who lives at Essendon and has ripened into one of the VFL’s best ruckman since crossing from North Melbourne’s VFL team last year.

The Lions can call on another former basketballer, former Geelong Category B rookie Joe Furphy, Liam Podhajski and VAFA signing Dom Payman to cover the absence of 200cm Keogh.

Essendon’s ruck options for the mid-season draft appear slimmer.

The Dons scouted Southport cult figure Brayden Crossley in last Saturday’s match against Williamstown at Point Gellibrand.

Brayden Crossley in action during the state game against SA. Picture: Kelly Barnes/AFL Photos

He had 48 hit-outs, 15 possessions and five marks in his duel with Willy’s former AFL player Tom Downie.

The Bombers may also run an eye over Port Melbourne’s Ajang Kuol mun, who has averaged 24.6 hit-outs and 12.2 disposals in five matches for the Borough.

He had 20 possessions, 39 hit-outs and booted two goals against the Northern Bullants at Cramer St last Saturday.

Other state-league ruck options for the Bombers include WAFL pair Oliver Eastland and Lachlan Blackiston, and Alex Van Wyck from the SANFL.

Originally published as AFL Mid-Season Draft: Coburg ruckman Cooper Keogh to miss rest of season amid Essendon interest