“Looked really good”: McStay primed for AFL return after ticking off VFL comeback

Collingwood’s Dan McStay could be set for an AFL return in Round 19 just seven and a half months after rupturing his ACL during the pre-season.

The Pies forward returned to footy officially in Saturday’s 74-103 VFL loss to Geelong at the AIA Centre where he kicked a goal to go with seven disposals and four marks in limited playing time.

While McStay didn’t dominate or play a full game, Josh Gabelich was at the VFL on Saturday and saw signs that he was ready to go and play his first AFL game since last year’s Preliminary Final win over GWS where he suffered an MCL injury.

With the Magpies struggling in 11th and their season on the verge of collapsing with other key forwards Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox also out, Gabelich thinks that McStay could be the answer that the Pies need up forward.

He discussed his VFL return and whether he will get straight back into the AFL side alongside Cam Luke and Josh Gabelich on SEN Crunch Time.

Gabelich: “There’s some news with Collingwood because they have had a heap of injury headaches across the entire season.

“But I went to the VFL yesterday and Dan McStay looks ready to return. He has made one of the quickest ACL recoveries I've ever heard of. It’s been seven and a half months from the moment he did his ACL.

“He set a target to get back within eight months and he beat it.

“He looked really good yesterday, played more game time than expected just around two and a half quarters. He took some big marks and kicked the first goal of the game.

“So, he could be a huge inclusion because they need him. Their season is almost shot, they need a key forward and he could be the answer.”

Luke: “He has to play. I think there would have been a conversation about playing him this week.”

Jenkins: “How much game time?”

Gabelich: “I reckon it was two and a half quarters.”

Jenkins: “He’s had seven disposals and kicked one goal … there’s a long-term investment in him (so should they rush him?).

“Do you think he can help turn their season around?”

Luke: “Not turn their season around, but I also think they're not that far away from winning these games.

“We're in a season where we are so close. Little things matter and if he's going to play football, you may as well put him in your seniors team rather in the VFL.”

Gabelich: “It was a good seven disposals. He looked really strong. I'm just saying his presence and the way he moved across the ground, he looked ready.

“They may get Mason Cox back this week. So maybe that would help them with an extra week (for McStay in the VFL).

“But Dan McStay would be a huge inclusion for their finals push.”

Collingwood face Hawthorn at the AFL level in Round 19 on Saturday at the MCG.

If the club chooses to keep McStay in the VFL for another week, the Magpies face Carlton at Ikon Park next Sunday.

Photo: @CollingwoodVFL Instagram.