Collingwood’s injury concerns have intensified ahead of the 2026 AFL season, with captain Darcy Moore and veteran defender Jeremy Howe both sidelined after suffering calf strains at training on Monday.
Moore was on the track for the opening hour of the session and was involved in ruck work and stoppage drills before leaving the ground and heading into the rooms after experiencing calf tightness. Howe later followed, with both players subsequently ruled out after medical assessment. Channel 7 reporter Mitch Cleary reported that the strains are at the “lower end” of severity, but the pair are still expected to miss at least two weeks of training.
The injuries come at an already challenging time for the Magpies, with star forward Bobby Hill recently granted a leave of absence to manage personal matters. The club confirmed the decision was made mutually between Hill, Collingwood and his management. Hill endured a difficult 2025 campaign marked by similar personal issues and injuries, managing just one senior appearance after Round 15 despite being the 2023 Norm Smith medallist.
Collingwood’s injury list extended further on Monday, with Reef McInnes and Dan McStay absent as they continue to recover from an injury-riddled 2025 season. Isaac Quaynor remained on light duties due to a hamstring concern, while Beau McCreery trained away from the main group as he works his way back from a lingering foot issue. Dan Houston took part in most of the session but stepped aside at times to manage his workload with individual run-throughs.
Despite the setbacks, the Magpies remain in full preparation mode as they build towards their Opening Round clash against St Kilda at the MCG on March 8, hopeful their key defenders can return in time for the start of the season.
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