Collingwood’s recent struggles on the field have prompted a significant tactical shift, with the Magpies opting to debut young ruckman Oscar Steene. This decision, announced for Friday’s clash, isn’t a shot in the dark; it’s a calculated response to alarming statistics that point to a critical weakness in the team’s engine room. While the midfield brigade, including Darcy Cameron, might appear to be holding their own with a respectable -1.0 average total clearance differential in recent games against St Kilda and Adelaide, a closer inspection reveals a much deeper and more concerning issue.
The heart of the problem lies in the centre ball-up. The recent rule changes in the centre square have fundamentally altered the dynamic for ruckmen like Cameron. No longer able to rely on his strength and wrestling ability to gain an advantage, he’s now forced into a more aerial contest. This change has directly impacted his performance metrics, leading to a significant dip in his effectiveness and, consequently, putting the club’s premiership aspirations at risk.
The Ruck Dilemma: Cameron Under Pressure
Darcy Cameron has been shouldering an increased workload in the ruck, particularly in the absence of Mason Cox. The reigning Copeland Trophy winner is now involved in a staggering 81.6 percent of stoppages, a notable increase from 73 percent last year and 69.5 percent in 2024. This increased responsibility, however, has not translated into improved outcomes.
Adding to the woes, the supporting ruck options are proving ineffective. Jack Buller and Dan McStay have shown a distinct inability to compete with opposition talls in ruck contests. McStay has managed a mere two hit-outs, while Buller is yet to register a single one. While it’s acknowledged that both players have had very limited opportunities in the role, their lack of impact renders them practically useless in this crucial area. Consequently, these players would be better served if spared such demanding responsibilities.
Steene’s Introduction: A Statistical Imperative
The introduction of Oscar Steene is a direct response to these concerning trends. The stats paint a stark picture: Collingwood currently sits a dismal 17th in the league for average centre clearance differential, with a concerning -7.0. This puts them precariously close to Essendon, which is languishing at -7.5 and has suffered significant losses.
This is a far cry from last season, when the Magpies were a mid-table performer in centre clearances, boasting an average return of 0.3. The contrast highlights the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for a solution.
The dominance of opposition leaping ruckmen, such as Tom De Koning and Lachlan McAndrew, when facing Cameron in the centre square, has been a recurring theme. Their aerial superiority has been instrumental in creating this significant clearance differential, and it’s this very issue that Steene has been brought in to address.
Oscar Steene: A Promising Prospect
Oscar Steene is a product of the supplementary selection period, having joined Collingwood ahead of the 2023 season after impressing at West Adelaide. His debut campaign in the VFL saw him play 18 matches, but a dislocated toe unfortunately disrupted his 2024 season.
During his rehabilitation, Steene dedicated himself to adding considerable size and refining his game. His efforts paid off handsomely, with significant improvements evident throughout last year, putting him firmly in contention for an AFL debut. The club recognised his potential and rewarded his dedication with a new contract that extends until the end of 2027, underscoring his value and long-term prospects.
Steene’s debut arrives at a crucial juncture for both the player and the club. At 22 years old, he has matured into an AFL-ready talent. For Craig McRae and his Magpies, this move is not just about player development; it’s a strategic necessity. Cameron’s struggles against the league’s aerial specialists are a glaring weakness, and Steene’s inclusion is a critical step towards shoring up this vulnerable area of the field. His ability to compete in the ruck and provide a stronger contest at the centre bounce could be exactly what Collingwood needs to turn their season around.
