‘Look out’: Collingwood in crisis despite big win over Tigers
Collingwood suddenly has a huge headache with Craig McRae confirming troubling news after the Magpies’ win over the Tigers.
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Collingwood suddenly has a massive headache despite galloping to a third consecutive win on Friday night.
The shine was taken off the Magpies’ 14-point win over Richmond by the sight of ruckman Darcy Cameron on crutches in the dressing room after the final siren.
Coach Craig McRae confirmed the troubling news in his post-match press conference announcing Cameron suffered a high-grade MCL knee injury.
He is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, leaving the club threadbare in its ruck stocks.
With Mason Cox (ribs) not expected to return any time soon and Brodie Grundy departing to Melbourne, the No. 1 ruck position will now fall to former Brisbane utility Dan McStay.
Collingwood could also be forced to turn to untried rookie ruckman Oscar Steene.
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The loss of Cameron leaves the Magpies vulnerable until one of their big men are able to be available for selection.
Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge said on Channel 7 it is a big blow for the Pies.
“Look out,” he said.
“This is the opportunity in the coming weeks for opposition teams to try and get through them.”
Despite Cameron’s injury, it was all smiles inside the Collingwood sheds after the game as the club went 3-0 to start a season for the first time since 2011.
The 8.15 (63) to 7.7 (49) scoreboard flattered the Tigers, who kicked three of the final four goals of the match.
The Tigers went into the sheds at half time trailing 1.3 (9) to 3.10 (28) — the Tigers’ lowest score for a first half against Collingwood since 1955, according to News Corp’s Ronny Lerner.
It was also the Tigers’ lowest score for a half of football since 2016.
The Tigers kicked the first three goals of the second half to close to within one goal.
Controversy then erupted in the third quarter when a score review went against the Pies.
With the ball tumbling towards the goal line after contact from a Richmond defender, Ash Johnson bolted to get his boot on the ball.
Replays appeared inconclusive as the entirety of the ball was judged to have passed the line.
The Pies responded by kicking the next four goals and shut the gate on the Tigers with a 28-point lead at three-quarter time.
Jamie Elliot was everywhere as the Pies took control of the contest and finished with 11 disposals and two goals in the third quarter, according to AFL Nation.
The Pies had match winners all over the ground with Jordan De Goey leading the way with 35 disposals (15 contested), 10 clearances and eight inside-50s.
Veterans Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom also turned back the clock with vintage performances.
Originally published as ‘Look out’: Collingwood in crisis despite big win over Tigers
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