Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Esava Ratugolea injury concerns overshadowed Port Adelaide Football Club’s 11.12 (78) to 6.15 (51) AFL loss to Collingwood Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
The 27-year-old ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee during the third quarter, just as he moved to jump into a marking contest. The injury mattered because Ratugolea had been one of Port Adelaide’s best players on the night and had already missed six weeks this season after surgery on the same knee.
For more AFL coverage, read Tony Modra Surgery Update Brings Relief As Adelaide Great Wakes In Hospital, while official match details are available through the Australian Football League website.
Ratugolea Taken From Field
Ratugolea was in clear pain as teammates gathered around him, with Todd Marshall and Ewan Mackinlay also hurt in the same passage of play.
“This is a disaster for Port Adelaide,” Mark Howard said on Fox Sports.
Jack Riewoldt described the moment as “heartbreaking scenes” during “one of the best games of Ratugolea’s career”.
“He’s still writhing in pain,” the Richmond Football Club great said.
David King said the injury looked serious as replays showed Ratugolea’s knee giving way before contact.
“This is awful, he’s in terrific form at the moment,” David King said.
“It is so sad. Unfortunately it looks like a severe knee injury.”
Collingwood Finish Strong
Port Adelaide Football Club led early but did not kick another goal after the 15-minute mark of the second quarter.
Collingwood Football Club took control through Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey, with Daicos finishing with 41 disposals and nine clearances. He also kicked a brilliant goal after soccering Jordan Sweet’s spoil off the ground.
Tim Membrey kicked three goals in a timely response for Collingwood, who were missing Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard and Jamie Elliott.
Port Adelaide also lost Jack Lukosius to a calf injury in the third quarter, while Mackinlay was ruled out with Ratugolea. The defeat left Josh Carr’s side 15th with a 4-10 record in his first season after replacing Ken Hinkley.