Caretaker Collingwood coach Robert Harvey's job just became much harder with star Magpies defender Darcy Moore to likely miss the rest of the AFL season.
The All-Australian injured his right knee in the dying minutes of Collingwood's upset win against Melbourne at the SCG on Monday.
Moore consulted with specialists on Wednesday and was given the bad news about a posterior cruciate ligament.
The 25-year-old will have his knee in a brace for six weeks.
With the Magpies out of finals contention they will unlikely rush back one of their most important players.
"It is obviously disappointing for everyone," Collingwood football manager Graham Wright said.
"For Darcy, who had been enjoying another fine season, and for the team which is now without one of the game's best defenders.
"We know Darcy will be dedicated in his approach to his rehabilitation and will continue to help the group as one of our emerging leaders but there is no sugar-coating the disappointment of his loss.
"Especially, with Jeremy Howe also missing from our backs group.
"We have some young backs who will now get their chance."
Harvey's first game in charge will be the Magpies' clash with Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on June 26, with the club having the bye this weekend.
Whtn they return to action, Collingwood will be without star playmaker Jordan De Goey, who was suspended for one game for a high bump on Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver.
The Magpies won the final two games under former coach Nathan Buckley, who departed in style by knocking off the ladder-leading Demons.
