19-year-old West Adelaide ruckman Oscar Steene has filled Collingwood's vacant list spot as a Supplemental Selection Period acquisition.
On Monday morning the Magpies confirmed Steene's addition to their Rookie list, adding to the club's ruck stocks for the 2023 season.
โOscar filled a position of need and has fitted into our environment seamlessly,โ Collingwood General Manager of Football Graham Wright said in a club statement.
โHe has shown a good ability to learn and improve his craft, and his self-development is getting better day-by-day.
โWe believe Oscar could play a key role in our AFL program this year and into the future.โ
Steene had an interrupted draft year in 2021 due to injury but kept his name in the draft conversation last year as one of South Australia's ruck options in the U/19 National Championships.
He managed four games with SANFL club West Adelaide where he showcased his impressive leap and reach and took some strong, well-timed marks.
A minor hamstring injury to Darcy Cameron this off-season alerted the club to the possibility of requiring extra cover at the ruck position. Mason Cox and Aiden Begg are the current backup ruckman at the Magpies.
Oleg Markov was another player who was tussling to fill the vacancy. He would've added to the Magpies' defensive depth and dash, allowing Nick Daicos to thrive further up the ground.ย Although this role may eventually be occupied by Will Hoskin-Elliott given his running and overhead ability.
Still, the ability to secure Markov's services may have evaporated however, with the former Sun and Tiger now likely to sign on with Carlton, acting as a replacement off half-back for the injured Zac Williams.
Former volleyballer Rye Penny was the last notable prospect fighting for a list spot and could've suited the aforementioned half-back role as a versatile medium defender. The 185cm Calder Cannon impressed recruiters last year with his athleticism, intercept marking and offensive impact.
The SSP window will close next Wednesday, February 15.
