Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley believes metal studs could be to blame for a 15-20 centimetre gash to Isaac Quaynor’s right shin that will sideline the young AFL defender for at least a fortnight.
Quaynor was hurt during the final quarter of the Magpies’ tense nine-point win over Sydney when he tackled debutant Sam Wicks in the Gabba’s centre square on Thursday night.
Experienced teammates Adam Treloar (hamstring) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (knee) were also injured in the costly victory.
Quaynor sat on the ground nursing his leg for some time before play was halted and he was taken off on a stretcher.
“His studs sort of raked across his shin and actually split his shin six or eight inches completely open,” Buckley told reporters post-match.
“The kid could’ve had metal studs in as well, so that was his bad luck, to tackle the only kid that had that.
“That will be a couple of weeks (out of action) and it will depend on how we can clean the wound and heal that up.”
An AFL official confirmed the league will review the incident during its regular post-match process on Friday and could seek further information from the Swans about Wicks’ choice of footwear.
Sydney coach John Longmire was asked in his post-match press conference whether any of his players were wearing metal studs, but he was not sure.
“It’s the first I’ve heard of it, I’ve got no idea,” Longmire said.
Buckley said it is his belief that metal studs are outlawed but said the AFL is not like junior football, where umpires check players’ equipment before matches.
“Some of our boys were talking about what type of studs they were, but in the end it’s just bad luck,” Buckley said.
“I haven’t heard of that happening in all my time in footy.
“Studs pierce the skin periodically … but you would never see what happened to Isaac in that last quarter ever.”
Hoskin-Elliott was the victim of an opponents’ stray boot when he was accidentally stepped on by Dane Rampe.
The incident pierced Hoskin-Elliott’s skin and led to bone bruising that could sideline him for Tuesday’s meeting with Adelaide.
Treloar has a history of hamstring injuries and is expected to miss about three weeks with what Buckley called a “minor hammy”.
“He’ll miss some footy,” Buckley said.