Collingwood forward Daniel McStay remains hopeful about making an impact in the 2024 season despite enduring an ACL injury setback.
McStay, who joined the Magpies as a free agent at the start of 2023, suffered a significant knee injury in November, typically requiring a year-long recovery period. However, he has been steadily progressing in his rehabilitation and maintains an optimistic outlook.
“The rehab’s progressing well. I’m approximately three months into it now, and I started running last week,” McStay remarked on Wednesday. “I haven’t set any specific timelines yet. I’m focused on ticking off one milestone after another and aiming to return to football in the coming months.”
“I anticipate a lengthy period of running ahead, so as long as I continue to recover well and receive proper care, I believe anything is possible,” he added.
Since his move from Brisbane to Collingwood, McStay has featured in 14 games for the club but unfortunately missed out on their premiership success. His first year with the Magpies was marred by injuries, including a high-grade MCL strain suffered in the preliminary final and a finger injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2023 season.
As Collingwood prepares for their opening-round clash against GWS at GIANTS Stadium, the discussion surrounding McStay’s replacement intensifies. Ash Johnson and Reef McInnes are contenders for the vacant spot in the forward line, with both players showing promise during the preseason. In the AAMI Community Series matchup against Richmond, Johnson received more playing time than McInnes, potentially indicating Coach Craig McRae’s preference.
Furthermore, Collingwood will be without key defenders Jeremy Howe and Nathan Murphy for the season opener due to injury, potentially opening the door for Charlie Dean to make his mark at the elite level. Additionally, former captain Scott Pendlebury’s availability remains uncertain as he undergoes a fitness assessment ahead of the match.
