Collingwood have bolstered their ruck shares by including West Adelaide teenager Oscar Steene to their rookie record.
The Magpies had been skinny in that space after offloading first-choice ruckman Brodie Grundy in final yr’s commerce interval.
That resolution, which eased wage cap stress, left Darcy Cameron, Mason Cox and teenager Aiden Begg at coach Craig McRae’s disposal.
The acquisition of 201cm prospect Steene provides depth to the ruck division.
The 19-year-old has skilled with Collingwood since November and was instructed on Monday he had earnt himself a contract.
“Oscar filled a position of need and has fitted into our environment seamlessly,” Collingwood soccer boss Graham Wright mentioned in a press release.
“He has shown a good ability to learn and improve his craft, and his self-development is getting better day-by-day.
“We imagine Oscar might play a key position in our AFL program this yr and into the longer term.”
Cameron played 24 of a possible 25 games last season, with Grundy missing most of the campaign through injury.
The 27-year-old will likely lead the Magpies’ ruck in 2023 but is currently on light duties after straining a hamstring at training last week.
Cameron is expected to be fit to take part in pre-season fixtures before Collingwood’s round-one battle with reigning premiers Geelong on March 17.
Grundy joined Melbourne and is about to type an imposing ruck mixture with Demons captain Max Gawn.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
