Collingwood Skipper Darcy Moore Eyes Anzac Day Clash
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has expressed optimism about his recovery from a hamstring injury as he aims to play in Saturday’s traditional Anzac Day clash against Essendon. Moore, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation, says he “feels awesome” and is confident about his chances of being selected for the match.
Moore will need to complete two key training sessions this week—on Tuesday and Thursday—to be considered for selection. However, he remains positive after a strong session last week. Speaking at the Shrine of Remembrance, he shared his excitement about the progress he has made.
“In great news, I had a really good session last Friday,” Moore said. “I made a couple of really big breakthroughs, so my body feels awesome coming into this week. We’ve got two sessions before the game, Tuesday and Thursday. I am in a really great position to train fully this week and hopefully put my hand up. I’ve got to back up and be feeling good going into the weekend (to be selected).”
Throughout the pre-season and early part of the season, Moore has faced challenges with soft-tissue injuries. He previously recovered from a calf problem to return for the Round 3 match against GWS. However, he was ruled out again due to a hamstring injury, which came after showing signs of being underdone.
Collingwood has faced criticism for how they managed Moore’s injury. In response, Moore took responsibility for his decision to return too soon.
“I put my hand up, I was ready to go, and I am accountable for that decision,” he said. “Absolutely was ready to go.”
Meanwhile, the team is also hopeful that Jordan De Goey will exit concussion protocols after missing the previous week’s clash against Carlton. De Goey trained over the weekend and is expected to be available for the Anzac Day match.
“I believe (he will be available),” Moore said of De Goey. “I’m not 100 percent sure on that one. I don’t want to speculate on that just with the nature of concussion symptoms.”
Key Position Players in the Mix
Coach Craig McRae is considering a pair of key position players for the Anzac Day clash. Forward-turned-defender Reef McInnes made a strong return in the VFL, recording 19 touches and nine marks in an impressive outing. This was McInnes’ first full game since tearing his ACL last year.
Another recruit, Jack Buller, also showed promise with two goals and 13 possessions in the loss to the Blues’ reserves side. Buller played the opening two games of the season but was replaced by Oscar Steene after a pair of goalless outings. Steene has since become a revelation in the ruck and up forward.
McRae mentioned last week that Steene is playing AFL-level football in the state-league competition, and his latest performance has put pressure on Dan McStay and Tim Membrey. The Steene-Darcy Cameron combination is likely to continue.
McStay (10 goals) and Membrey (nine) haven’t been lighting up the league, but they have only gone goalless once in six matches. Their consistent performances have kept them in the mix for the upcoming game.
