Collingwood's Darcy Moore to miss the rest of the 2021 season with knee injury

Collingwood defender Darcy Moore is expected to miss the rest of the season, after injuring his knee during Monday's win over Melbourne.

Moore damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and after consulting with specialists, will spend the next six weeks in a brace.

With just nine matches remaining this season, Moore is unlikely to regain match fitness in time to take the field in 2021.

"It is obviously disappointing for everyone. For Darcy, who had been enjoying another fine season, and for the team which is now without one of the game's best defenders," said Collingwood's GM of football, Graham Wright.

"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.

"That said, AFL football is a game of squads. We have some young defenders who will now get their chance."

The Magpies have won just four of their 13 matches this season and sit in 16th spot on the ladder. While they can mathematically still make the top-eight, it would require a monumental turnaround.

Moore's absence is a blow for caretaker coach Robert Harvey, who takes over from Nathan Buckley for the Magpies' next match against Fremantle on Saturday week.