Moore blow for Magpies

COLLINGWOOD star defender Darcy Moore is set to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

The All-Australian centre half-back injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the dying minutes of the Magpies’ gritty Queen’s Birthday win over Melbourne.

The 25-year-old met with specialists on Wednesday and it was decided his knee would be braced for at least six weeks. However, Moore looks to have avoided the need for surgery.

It is a blow for caretaker coach Robert Harvey as Moore is one

of Collingwood’s most important players and can play at both ends.

He will be without the talented swingman for his nine games in charge in the back end of the season.

“It is obviously disappointing for everyone,” Magpies football boss Graham Wright said. “For Darcy, who had been enjoying another fine season, and for the team which is now without one of the game’s best defenders.

“We know Darcy will be dedicated in his approach to his rehabilitation and will continue to help the group as one of our emerging leaders but there is no sugar-coating the disappointment of his loss.

“Especially, with Jeremy Howe also missing from our backs group. That said, AFL football is a game of squads. We have some young backs who will now get their chance.”

Harvey, who will be looking to impress in his first crack as an AFL senior coach, will also be without Jordan De Goey for his first game in charge after the forward accepted a oneweek ban for a glancing blow on Clayton Oliver.

The Magpies have the bye this week and then take on Fremantle at Marvel Stadium the following week.