Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore Says He Is Close To Playing Before Season Opener

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is 'definitely not far away' from playing, easing injury fears for the AFL season opener. This is a positive update after earlier reports suggested he could miss 3-5 weeks.
By Newsroom | Sports, AFL |

Collingwood's season opener is approaching, and questions are being asked about the fitness of key players, particularly captain Darcy Moore. With the team's leadership potentially impacted by recent injuries, the outlook for their opening match against St Kilda is uncertain.

Moore downplays Collingwood's injury concerns ahead of season opener - 1

Timeline of Events

  • January 12, 2026: Reports emerge that Collingwood captain Darcy Moore and veteran Jeremy Howe have sustained calf strains during pre-season training. This news comes on a day where other AFL players also faced significant injuries.

  • January 29, 2026: Further reports indicate Moore's calf concern may have worsened, with suggestions he could miss an additional three to five weeks. This places his availability for the season opener in doubt.

  • February 23, 2026 (Approximately 5 hours ago): Darcy Moore, speaking about his fitness, downplays concerns, indicating he is "definitely not far away" from returning. He also mentions that Jeremy Howe is expected to be fit for the early parts of the AFL season.

Evidence and Statements

"Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore believes he and veteran defender Jeremy Howe will be fit for the early parts of the AFL season."

  • Article 1

  • Calf Strains: Reports on January 12th from SEN stated both Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe suffered calf strains.

  • Worsening Concern: An article from Sportnation.nz on January 29th suggested Moore's injury could keep him sidelined for another three to five weeks, potentially missing the season opener.

  • Moore's Recent Statement: In a recent statement, Darcy Moore expressed optimism about his and Howe's fitness, stating he is "definitely not far away."

Differing Perspectives on Injury Status

Concerns Over Moore's Readiness

  • Early Reports: Initial reports in mid-January highlighted Moore's calf strain.

  • Potential Setback: By late January, reports suggested the injury had worsened, casting doubt on his participation in the season opener against St Kilda. This implies a prolonged recovery period might be necessary.

  • Impact on Leadership: Moore's role as captain means any absence would be a significant blow to the team's leadership structure at the start of the season.

Moore's Public Assurance

  • Downplaying Concerns: In a recent interview, Moore himself stated he is "definitely not far away" from playing.

  • Projected Return: He also indicated that Jeremy Howe is expected to be available for the early stages of the season.

  • Timing of Statement: This assurance comes shortly before the season opener, potentially aiming to reassure fans and the team.

Expert Analysis

No direct expert analysis or quotes from medical professionals regarding Darcy Moore's specific injury timeline or prognosis are available in the provided data. The available information relies on media reports and statements from the players themselves.

Conclusion and Implications

The information presents a divergence between earlier reports suggesting a worsening calf injury for Darcy Moore and his own recent statements downplaying his fitness concerns. While Moore expresses confidence in his and Jeremy Howe's imminent return, earlier reports indicated a potential three-to-five-week layoff following a calf strain.

  • Uncertainty Remains: The exact readiness of Darcy Moore for Collingwood's season opener against St Kilda remains unclear based on the available information.

  • Need for Further Updates: The club's official injury report closer to the match will be crucial for a definitive assessment.

  • Potential Impact: If Moore is indeed not fully fit, it would present a significant challenge for Collingwood's leadership and defensive structure at the commencement of the AFL season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Collingwood captain Darcy Moore playing in the season opener against St Kilda?
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore says he is 'definitely not far away' from returning to play. While earlier reports in January suggested he could miss 3-5 weeks due to a calf strain, his recent comments are positive for his availability.
Q: What injury did Darcy Moore have before the AFL season started?
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore had a calf strain that he got during pre-season training in January 2026. There were concerns his injury might have gotten worse.
Q: When did reports first come out about Darcy Moore's injury?
Reports about Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe having calf strains first came out on January 12, 2026. Later, on January 29, 2026, there were more reports suggesting Moore's injury was worse.
Q: What did Darcy Moore say about his injury on February 23, 2026?
On February 23, 2026, Darcy Moore said he was 'definitely not far away' from playing. He also mentioned that Jeremy Howe was expected to be fit for the start of the AFL season.
Q: Will Jeremy Howe play in the early parts of the AFL season?
Yes, Darcy Moore stated on February 23, 2026, that Jeremy Howe is expected to be fit for the early parts of the AFL season. This is good news for Collingwood's defense.