Collingwood star Brodie Grundy has called the fresh injury setback that will see him miss the remainder of the season “devastating” as he prepares to go under the knife for the second time this year.
Grundy has not played since Anzac Day after having surgery on his knee, and had been nearing a return in recent weeks before suffering a stress fracture in his ankle.
The 28-year-old played in Collingwood’s VFL side on July 30 and reported soreness in the days that followed, with scans later revealing the extent of the injury.
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Grundy confirmed the injury in a video message posted to his social media accounts on Monday evening.
“Just wanted to jump on here and let you know that I’m heading in for surgery tomorrow for my troublesome ankle,” he said.
“I’ve got a fracture there, it’s bubbled away on my return from my PCL which unfortunately means I’m going to miss the remainder of the season.
“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.
“I’m going to do everything I can to be back bigger and stronger for you guys next year.”
Collingwood says the ankle injury is completely separate to the PCL injury Grundy suffered during Collingwood’s Anzac Day win over Essendon after a knee-on-knee clash with Bombers big man Sam Draper.
“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 options available, it was determined arthroscopic surgery would be the best course of action,” Collingwood’s GM of football, Graham Wright said in a statement on Monday.
“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.”
Grundy’s injury comes as Collingwood continues to ride an incredible wave of momentum that has seen it win 11 consecutive matches, with a win over the reigning premiers Melbourne its most recent triumph.
In more positive news for the club, small forward Jamie Elliott has turned his back on free agency to sign a deal that will see him remain a Magpie through 2025.
Elliott has been a solid contributor to a Collingwood side that currently sits second on the AFL ladder, having kicked 21 goals in 14 games this season.
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