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The young Magpie “banging on the door” to replace McStay
Andrew Slevison • April 28th, 2025 1:00 pm
Who will replace Dan McStay in Collingwood’s lineup?
The key forward has again hurt his knee and could miss up to two months after sustaining a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in the Anzac Day win over Essendon.
It is the same knee that required a reconstruction late in 2023, forcing him out of that year’s Grand Final triumph.
While an ACL injury has been ruled out, McStay will likely be out of action until after the Magpies’ bye weekend in Round 14 meaning Craig McRae will need to find a replacement.
AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich has floated a couple of names including that of veteran Mason Cox and a player at the other end of his career in 2024 draftee Charlie West.
West has impressed in the VFL so far, kicking 11 goals in four matches including three against the Bombers on Saturday night and Gabelich expects him to debut at AFL level in the next few weeks.
“It begs the question - What does Craig McRae do now?” Gabelich said on SEN’s Fireball.
“Clearly he’s got Mason Cox who has been waiting for an opportunity. He’s only played twice so far this year. Tim Membrey is someone they got who has played a lot of footy to start the year.
“But we might also see a debutant in the coming weeks in the form of a draftee. Charlie West, Pick 50 last year, the grandson of Wayne Jackson, the former AFL CEO.
“His guy has been banging on the door, he’s been in the squad the last few weeks, he kicked three more (goals) on Saturday night and has kicked 11 from his first four in the VFL.
“Mason Cox might get the first chance but I reckon across this next period we’re going to see Charlie West playing for Collingwood.”
Kane Cornes says he would be looking at the youthful exuberance of West, a Woodville-West Torrens product who stands at 194cm, rather than the tried and tested Cox.
“I’d have a look at the youngster,” Cornes said.
“I think Collingwood fans are crying out for some young (talent).”
The top-of-the-ladder Pies will take their 6-1 record into their blockbuster Round 8 clash with Geelong at the MCG on Saturday night.
