Collingwood’s ruck dilemma is no closer to being solved after the club’s performance in the VFL on Saturday night.
Despite the Magpies putting a 52-point margin on Port Melbourne, Craig McRae would have hoped for a big performance from young ruckman Oscar Steene.
Collingwood was missing Mason Cox through injury in their win over Richmond over Friday, while Darcy Cameron went down with a medium-term knee injury in that game.
Fellow ruckman Aiden Begg is carrying a back injury, leaving pre-season recruit Steene as the club’s only recognised ruckman.
However, the 19-year-old – who Collingwood views as a long-term prospect – was monstered in the ruck by former Swan Sam Naismith.
Steene recorded just 17 hitouts to Naismith’s 61. He also struggled around the ground, gathering seven disposals and one mark but did boot a goal.
The performance isn’t a surprise given Steene’s age and young ruckman typically take longer to come on, but it’s now clear he is not the short-term saviour for the Magpies.
Forwards Daniel McStay and Ash Johnson filled the ruck void at times on Friday night.
Another big watch in the VFL was that on Jack Ginnivan, who returned from his two-game illicit drug ban through the reserves.
So great to see this guy back out there! Ginni kicks our first.
— Collingwood FC VFL (@CollingwoodVFL) April 1, 2023
In the long sleeves too 👌 pic.twitter.com/HF3qDJ0zRE
The small forward gathered 10 disposals and booted a classy goal, but given the form of Bobby Hill, Ginnivan could be made to bide his time.
However, one player who could be set for senior action is Collingwood’s top pick from the 2022 draft, Ed Allen.
The 18-year-old put forward a strong performance the week prior but Allen stepped it up again on Saturday, gathering 24 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal.
Ed Allan literally just nailed a 50M snap 🤯 pic.twitter.com/QcFab44Zo3
— Collingwood FC VFL (@CollingwoodVFL) April 1, 2023
24 disposals and an incredible goal from Ed Allan in yesterday's victory.
— Collingwood FC VFL (@CollingwoodVFL) April 2, 2023
From the Rooms:
Fellow 2022 draftee Jakob Ryan also impressed with 23 disposals and 10 marks.