Macaffer seriosuly injured as Magpies win both games

Collingwood Premiership player Brent Macaffer looks set to join the growing list of injuries at his club after seriously injuring his leg in his side’s NAB Cup matches in Blacktown on Saturday night.

Macaffer who only played four games last season due to niggling injuries suffered the injury during the Magpies first game against the Western Bulldogs played in Sydney’s west.

First year Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley believes that Macaffer has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which would rule him out for the entire season.

“Unfortunately Brent Macaffer has more than likely done his ACL, which is a poor result for us,” Buckley said at a media conference following the completion of the trio of matches.

“Some people seem to get more obstacles than they deserve.”

“He has had a fantastic pre-season. He has put himself in decent nick as every AFL footballer needs to to give themselves a chance. It’s really unfortunate for him.”

“We hope for the best but we expect the worst.”

Macaffer joins a growing list of injured Magpies with the likes of Alan Didak (torn abductor); Ben Johnson (hamstring); Ben Reid (shoulder) and Harry O’Brien (hand) having suffering injuries during the pre-season.

Whilst Macaffer was the big casualty the Magpies as expected managed to win both games of their NAB Cup games against new boys Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs.

In a tight defensive struggle Collingwood managed to record a seven-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in their first match – and second overall – before downing a gallant Giants side by three-points in the final encounter of the night.

The Magpies who lead the Bulldogs by two-points ay halftime managed to just do enough to record a 0.4.2 (26) to 0.3.1 (19) victory in a game played in humid conditions.

Collingwood then rounded off a productive night with a thrilling three-point victory over the league’s newest franchise GWS as they recorded a 0.5.5 (35) to 0.5.2 (32) victory in front a vocal crowd out in Blacktown.

However it wasn’t all easy for the Magpies who were forced to battle against the Giants as the reigning NAB Cup premiers at one stage trailed by 12-points early in the second half before stepping up a gear and taking all the points.

Missing the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and captain Nick Maxwell the Magpies played poorly in the first half before turning on the jets in the second half to just get past a brave Giants side.

Greater Western Sydney, who many tip for the wooden spoon this year surprised many with their great performances in both games as they just went down to the Western Bulldogs in the first game of the night.

In a see-sawing end to end battle the Bulldogs managed to just come out on top following a 0.5.5 (35) to 1.3.3 (30) victory over the Giants who fielded some of their established stars including former dog in Callan Ward.

Saturday’s night’s games were the second round robin encounters thus far as each of North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Richmond shared victories on the opening night on Friday night.

Played at Etihad Stadium, North Melbourne kicked off proceedings with a three-point win over Richmond; Hawthorn then picked apart the Kangaroos with a 25-point win in game two before the Tigers surprised many with a terrific three-point victory over the Hawks in the final match of the night.