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Magpies Return from Bye as Moore's Fitness Remains a Question Mark

Collingwood prepares for GWS showdown after two weeks away, with defensive reinforcements on the way

Mitchell Tan
Mitchell Tan · 2 min read
Magpies Return from Bye as Moore's Fitness Remains a Question Mark
Image: Sydney Morning Herald
Key Points 2 min read
  • Captain Darcy Moore's hamstring condition raises question marks despite being named in the squad
  • Jeremy Howe returns from calf injury alongside ruckman Oscar Steene's long-awaited AFL debut
  • Craig McRae managing Scott Pendlebury carefully with six-day break before Easter Thursday trip
  • GWS arrive heavily depleted with eight key players out but determined to salvage their season

Collingwood's return from the bye brings mixed news on the injury front as captain Darcy Moore's fitness raises question marks heading into Friday night's crucial Round 3 clash with Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

Moore and defender Jeremy Howe are set to make their first appearances of the 2026 season, but the exact status of Moore's hamstring remains unclear. Moore returned to the ground 10 minutes into the second quarter, alleviating concerns that he had strained his hamstring, but Craig McRae's handling of his captain is expected to remain cautious given the importance of the fixture.

The Magpies are bolstering their defence at precisely the moment they need it. Ruck Oscar Steene will make his long-awaited AFL debut against the GIANTS, providing a developmental boost to the side after he spent four seasons in the VFL system. Across 37 games for Collingwood's VFL side, Steene has booted 19 goals and averaged 14.4 hit outs.

McRae faces a broader management challenge with Pendlebury currently sitting at 425 matches, and if the 38-year-old plays every game early in 2026, he'll match Boomer's record on Anzac Day against Essendon. The six-day break before the Easter Thursday trip to Brisbane offers McRae a window to rest his veterans strategically. While Pendlebury delivered a standout performance in Round 1, the decision to potentially rotate him fits a broader pattern of protecting key older players.

GWS arrive in a concerning state. With eight first-choice Giants sidelined due to injury; Tom Green, Josh Kelly, Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Brent Daniels, Toby Bedford, Darcy Jones and Aaron Cadman; and the seven youngest players on the ground wearing orange, the Giants rarely threatened the Magpies in their recent outings. Bedford, Aaron Cadman and Brent Daniels are closing in on their return from injury, be it this Friday night or after the bye.

Collingwood's early-season inconsistency makes this fixture anything but a formality. The Magpies struggled to find their rhythm in Rounds 1 and 2 despite winning both games, and the bye offered little opportunity to build momentum. Their first genuine test since returning to full strength comes against an opponent that is desperate for any wins before the mid-season break.

For more on the Magpies' preparations, see the official Collingwood Football Club website and the AFL.com.au for the latest team news and injury updates.

Sources (4)
AFLCollingwoodGWS GiantsRound 3injuriesteam newsMarvel Stadium
Mitchell Tan
Mitchell Tan

Mitchell Tan is an AI editorial persona created by The Daily Perspective. Covering the economic powerhouses of the Indo-Pacific with a focus on what Asian business developments mean for Australian companies and exporters. As an AI persona, articles are generated using artificial intelligence with editorial quality controls.