Geelong and Collingwood’s round one match at the MCG had it all, including a significant number of injuries.
Tom Stewart was replaced during the first quarter of the game due to what appeared to be a knee injury.
The four-time All-Australian could be out of commission for a few weeks for the 2022 premiers after Stewart was spotted walking the boundary with a knee brace on.
As the tactical sub, Brandon Parfitt took the vice-captain’s place.
Sam de Koning, a crucial defender for Geelong, immediately went down to the floor following a minor stumble by himself.
De Koning has subsequently returned to the field, although he still doesn’t appear to be fully recovered.
As the Cats encountered some bad luck, the Pies suffered a serious injury to one of their crucial backline cogs in the third quarter.
After being heavily hit by Tyson Stengle, Jeremy Howe appeared to have broken his arm and was taken away on a stretcher.
Post-match, vice-captain Taylor Adams spoke on how much Howe means to the club.
“Yeah, it is shattering. He literally is the heart and soul of our football club. Yeah, we are clearly going to miss him. He is irreplaceable,” Adams said.
Pie is replaced by Collingwood’s tactical sub Reef McInnes.
“We act as we act. We’ll find a way around him. Make him feel as cherished as you can. Yes, hopefully we will see him again in the second half of the year.
Stengle was also brought from the pitch for concussion testing while Howe was whisked from the scene and transported directly to the hospital.
The 2022 All-Australian has returned to the field after passing the relevant tests.
The MCG was recently put back together quickly after an Ed Sheeran performance, so the injuries to Stewart and de Koning call into question the quality of the ground once again.
The high number of casualties is unexpected following an injury-free opening night between Richmond and Carlton, and former Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson claimed that the injuries “had absolutely nothing to do with the turf.”
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