Collingwood's worst fears have been confirmed, with scans revealing Reef McInnes has ruptured the ACL in his left knee.
McInnes hurt his knee in the first half of Friday's VFL clash against Essendon as he pushed for an AFL return.
The key defender was assisted from the ground by trainers before heading straight down to the rooms.
McInnes had only recently returned to footy via the VFL and played his first full game last week, having missed most of 2025 after sustaining a right ACL injury in the Magpies' Round 2 AFL win against the Bulldogs. McInnes' right knee buckled following an awkward landing in a marking contest during the opening stages of the match.
Collingwood executive general manager of football Charlie Gardiner said the club felt for McInnes, who has suffered a shattering double blow.
"Reef's injury is incredibly disappointing news, particularly given the commitment and hard work he has put in over the past 12 months to return from his right ACL,” Gardiner said.
“He's an outstanding character and has shown enormous resilience and positivity to get back to playing. While this is undoubtedly a difficult setback, our entire program will be behind Reef every step of the way during his recovery.”
McInnes was selected with pick 23 in the 2020 National Draft. He has played just 23 games at AFL level, having made his debut in Round 3 2022.
Collingwood defender Reef McInnes coming from the ground after injuring his knee.
His reaction didn’t seem good. He went straight down the race.
McInnes was returning from an ACL injury to his right knee.@zerohanger pic.twitter.com/kWHLICNe7J
— Aidan Cellini (@aidancellini4) April 24, 2026
Meanwhile, teammate Bobby Hill also left the ground after receiving a cut to his face. The 25-year-old required stitches but returned to the field soon after.
Hill hadn't played since the Round 22 AFL loss against the Lions at the MCG, when used as the substitute. He was granted personal leave to deal with a delicate personal matter, before returning to the club last month.
The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist played limited minutes, given it was his first match since August 2 last year. Hill tallied 11 touches, six score involvements and kicked a goal in the 11-point win, and his energy and work rate stood out as he pushes towards an AFL return.
