Oscar Steene joins the Collingwood Magpies as a rookie

Collingwood has picked West Adelaide’s Oscar Steene to fill his vacant spot on the rookie list.

Age reported on Sunday that 19-year-old Steene was the favorite to take the place before the additional selection period ends on February 15.

The 80-inch Ruckman impressed last season and will provide strong support for a jerky contingent that includes Darcy Cameron, Mason Cox and Aiden Begg.

Collingwood was relieved that the thigh injury Cameron sustained last week was minor, but the incident would have been a gentle reminder of the depth of the Magpies in that area after Brodie Grundy’s move to Melbourne at the end of last season.

“Oscar filled a much-needed position and blended seamlessly into our environment,” Collingwood football manager Graham Wright said Monday.

“He has shown a good ability to learn and improve his craft and his self-development is getting better every day.

“We believe Oscar could play a key role in our AFL program this year and in the future.”

Former Richmond and Gold Coast defender Oleg Markov had trained with the club. Collingwood would like more depth in defense with running players who can play high up and give Nick Daicos more leeway to break into midfield. Forward Will Hoskin-Elliott has been training on defense this year, with the Magpies planning to use him in the role given his run ability and overhead strength. High-flying former volleyball player Rye Penny was also fighting for that last spot.

Several clubs are making conclusions about whether they will recruit a player during the additional pre-season selection phase. St Kilda decided former bomber Josh Eyre would not be offered a rookie deal after training with the club this pre-season, while adding Liam Stocker. You’ll keep the other spot open.