Collingwood has been hit with a significant injury blow just weeks out from its 2022 finals campaign, with star ruckman Brodie Grundy ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Magpies on Monday night confirmed Grundy had suffered a stress fracture in his ankle — an issue that emerged in the aftermath of his VFL return late last month after missing several months due to a knee issue.
Grundy, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Anzac Day due to a knee, had been nearing a return to the AFL before suffering the stress fracture in his ankle.
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“Brodie took part in the Club’s VFL game against the Southport Sharks just over a week ago and he pulled up sore from that match. He then participated in a training session early last week and was still experiencing soreness, so he was sent for scans which revealed a stress fracture in his left ankle,” Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said.
“The nature of the ankle injury is not long-term so Brodie will make a full recovery but after consulting with multiple specialists to assess all available options, it was determined arthroscopic surgery would be the best course of action.
“The pleasing thing for Brodie is that his knee has held up well – this is a separate injury – and unfortunately with only a couple of weeks left of the home-and-away season, he will be unable to take further part in matches in 2022.
“Brodie will be up and running at the start of pre-season training but for the time being his health remains the priority.”
In a video posted to his social media accounts, Grundy confirmed he would undergo surgery on Tuesday.
“Devastating, particularly given how the boys are going, but on the other side of things, it’s going to be amazing to sit with you all and watch the boys as they make a run for the finals,” he said.
“I’m going to do everything I can to be back bigger and stronger for you guys next year.”
Grundy’s injury comes amid ample trade speculation surrounding the dual All-Australian, despite being contracted to the Pies until the end of 2027 on a deal worth around $7 million per season.
Multiple reports have indicated Grundy’s management are preparing to be asked by Collingwood about the possibility of trading the dual All-Australian.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae declared on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 he wanted Grundy at the club next season, but remained tight-lipped on whether he was up for trade.
The Pies are in the middle of a remarkable surge in 2022, jumping from 17th last year into the top two this year with two home and away rounds left.
They also confirmed on Tuesday that star forward Jamie Elliott had turned his back on free agency and re-signed with the Pies until the end of 2025.
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