𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎: 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙅𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤… 𝔹ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝔾 ℕ𝔼𝕎𝕊: 𝕊𝕖𝕥𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕨𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕥𝕓𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕓 𝕒𝕤 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕖𝕣 𝕁𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕪 ℍ𝕠𝕨𝕖 𝔽𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕒𝕟 𝕕𝕦𝕖 𝕥𝕠…

BREAKING NEWS: Setback for Collingwood Football Club as Star Player Jeremy Howe Faces Season Ban Due to… (Concussion Protocol)

In a major setback for Collingwood Football Club, veteran defender Jeremy Howe is facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a serious concussion, leading many to speculate that his 2025 season may be effectively over. While not officially a disciplinary “ban,” the nature of the AFL’s strict concussion protocols could mean the high-flying defender won’t return this year—especially with finals approaching and his long-term health being a priority.

The incident occurred during a recent clash between Collingwood and Hawthorn at the MCG, where Howe was involved in a heavy head-on collision with Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe. The collision left Howe unconscious on the ground before he was stretchered off and transported to hospital for urgent scans and observation. Initial reports confirmed that there were no structural injuries, but the concussion diagnosis automatically triggered the AFL’s 12-day mandatory concussion protocol—a policy introduced to prioritise player health and reduce the long-term impact of head trauma.

However, given Howe’s age (35) and his extensive injury history, including a devastating broken arm just two seasons ago, concerns have grown within the club and among fans about whether he will be able—or even allowed—to return before season’s end. Head coach Craig McRae has remained tight-lipped about his potential timeline, saying only that the veteran defender is “recovering well” and will be monitored “week by week.”

While technically not a disciplinary ban, Howe’s enforced absence is functionally the same for Collingwood’s finals campaign. With only a few rounds remaining in the regular season, any additional setbacks in his recovery could rule him out of September football altogether. The club has emphasised it will not rush his return, which suggests the team is preparing for life without one of its most experienced leaders in the backline.

This development couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Magpies, who have already endured an inconsistent season plagued by injury and form fluctuations. Losing Jeremy Howe—one of the club’s most reliable intercept defenders and aerial specialists—removes a crucial element of stability from the team’s defensive structure. His ability to read the ball in flight and provide rebound from defence has been a cornerstone of Collingwood’s success in recent years.

Furthermore, Howe’s absence raises selection headaches. The club must now rely more heavily on younger or less experienced defenders to fill the void. While players like Isaac Quaynor and Brayden Maynard will be expected to step up, neither offers the same level of leadership and composure that Howe brings under pressure. The ripple effect could extend all the way through the side’s structure, potentially affecting game plans and matchups heading into finals.

Internally, the situation also casts uncertainty over Howe’s future. Already in the twilight of his career, questions about his ability to continue into 2026 were swirling even before this injury. A premature end to the 2025 season might influence both the player’s mindset and the club’s list management decisions.

In summary, while Jeremy Howe has not been banned in the traditional sense, the AFL’s strict medical protocols and the severity of his concussion may well mean that his season is effectively over. For Collingwood, it’s a cruel blow at a crucial time—and another challenge in an already demanding year.