UPDATE
Collingwood has confirmed a right knee PCL injury to ruckman Brodie Grundy.
The 28-year-old had scans on Tuesday morning and is set to consult with specialists later this week.
“We are all disappointed for Brodie. While he is a key member of our team and will be missed, out of adversity comes opportunity for other members of the squad to play a role during this time,” Collingwood GM of football Graham Wright said in a club statement.
“We know Brodie will be dedicated to his rehabilitation and will continue to remain involved with the team as he recovers.”
An update on BG 😔
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) April 26, 2022
A return to play will be determined once he consults a specialist this week.
EARLIER
Brodie Grundy could be sidelined for up to three months with a serious knee injury.
Collingwood was this morning bracing to be without the star ruckman for 10-12 weeks as he underwent scans for PCL damage.
Sources this morning said Grundy had suffered a Grade 3 PCL strain after clashing knees with Sam Draper.
The injury enhances his Grundy’s lionhearted last quarter at the MCG. He admitted he was sore after the final siren, but was also optimistic he’d escaped significant injury.
“(It’s) pretty sore, he jumps in hard, Drapes, so he made me earn it. I should be fine, absolutely,” Grundy told Fox Footy.
It’s a shattering blow for the Pies and for Grundy, who showed promising signs of life on Anzac Day with 16 disposals, 33 hitouts and some big plays under duress in the last quarter.
Grundy copped the knock to the knee in the third quarter against the Bombers, but was able to soldier on as Collingwood dug-in to hold off their arch-rival.
His absence now puts enormous responsibility on out-of-contract big man Darcy Cameron, who will have to step up to assume the No.1 ruck role.
Mason Cox could also be set for recall as a result.
Grundy’s injury comes with Nathan Kreuger facing season-ending surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
Kreuger has experienced a turbulent start to his Collingwood career since crossing from Geelong, with suspension, concussion and two shoulder dislocations ruining his first season with the Pies.
Grundy has been durable throughout his career, having played at least 19 games every season going back to 2014.
The 28-year-old is a dual All-Australian and two-time Copeland Trophy winner.
Big injury blow at Collingwood. The Pies are bracing to be without star ruckman Brodie Grundy for as long as 10-12 weeks in the wake of that knee injury sustained in the win over Essendon on Anzac Day. Grundy was being scanned this morning for PCL damage.
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) April 26, 2022