AFL: Collingwood’s All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy’s season over as fellow Magpie Jamie Elliott re-signs

There was good and bad news at Collingwood, with injury ending an important big man’s season as another committed for three more years.

An ankle stress fracture has ended Brodie Grundy’s season. Picture: Getty Images

Brodie Grundy may have played his last game for Collingwood, with the Magpies ruling the dual All-Australian ruckman out for the rest of the season with an ankle stress fracture.

The 28-year-old pulled up sore in his left ankle from his VFL comeback game two weekends ago after a posterior cruciate ligament injury sidelined him for multiple months.

Subsequent scans revealed Grundy’s stress fracture, which Collingwood football boss Graham Wright confirmed would end his season.

It means the Pies will continue to rely on Darcy Cameron as their No.1 ruckman for their upcoming finals campaign, with resurgent American Mason Cox serving as his support.

Speculation is rife that the Pies would be open to trading the million-dollar ruckman, who still has five years to run the seven-season extension he inked at the start of 2020.

Brodie Grundy won’t be part of the Magpies’ finals campaign. Picture: Getty Images

Greater Western Sydney is the club strongest linked to Grundy, but reigning premier Melbourne has also been raised as an option, given exciting big man Luke Jackson is tipped to request a trade home to Fremantle.

“The nature of the ankle injury is not long term, so Brodie will make a full recovery,” Wright said.

“But after consulting with multiple specialists to assess all options available; it was determined arthroscopic surgery would be the best course of action.

“The pleasing thing for Brodie is that his knee has held up well – this is a separate injury – and unfortunately with only a couple of weeks left of the home and away season, he will be unable to take further part in matches in 2022.

“Brodie will be up and running at the start of pre-season training but for the time being his health remains the priority.”

It’s been a frustrating year with injury for Brodie Grundy (left). Picture: Getty Images

In positive news for Collingwood, star forward Jamie Elliott has turned his back on his free agency options to re-sign for three years following a brilliant few weeks on the field.

The 29-year-old is fresh from kicking four goals in a come-from-behind victory over the Demons that doubled as his 150th appearance for the club.

Two weeks earlier, Elliott kept the Magpies’ winning streak alive with a superb set shot finish after the siren to beat Essendon.

He ranks No.1 at the club for ground-ball gets inside 50, marks on the lead, disposals inside 50 and tackles inside 50.

Jamie Elliott is sticking around at Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re pleased to extend Jamie for another three years, and to hopefully see him play out his career at the Club,” Wright said.

“Jamie is an instrumental figure in our program. Across 11 seasons, he has a wealth of football smarts which are invaluable to the youth of our group.

“The likes of Ash Johnson, Jack Ginnivan, Beau McCreery and Ollie Henry are products of great improvement, credit to Elliott’s influence in the forward line.

“In addition to this, Jamie is a player who stands up in the moments that matter, inspiring all members of our program.”