Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is unconcerned that just eight games out from the AFL finals the Magpies are still searching for consistency.
The third-placed Collingwood will meet fellow league heavyweights Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday in a game which will give both contenders a stern test.
While fluctuating form can be largely attributed to injuries, Buckley says overall improvement in the Magpies’ best side is still needed.
They have had some relief with Scott Pendlebury and Chris Tarrant returning from injuries to contribute to last Saturday’s important win over Geelong while Dale Thomas is improving after playing with a bruised foot.
But Buckley is patiently expecting overall improvements over the next few weeks as well as maintaining focus.
“You’ve got to keep finding the right physical and emotional intensity to perform week in week out,” Buckley said.
“You want to be playing your best football at the pointy end of the season and we’re still working towards that.”
Buckley stopped short of saying Collingwood had improved since the season-opening match but said the side had a different look now.
“It’s changed – personnel changes and the game changes so quickly these days so we are a different side to round one.
“Some of the faces are different … every side has gone through different experiences and you either grow from it or you struggle with it.
“We believe we’ve grown and we’re growing and we are getting a better understanding of what our best football looks like and an opponent like Hawthorn on a week like this is an opportunity to test that.”
Buckley said the Magpies were now efficient with the contested ball and were defending with more continuity.
“We’re pretty comfortable with the way we play the game and we think that we play football that is hard to beat and that we are confident is a winning brand of football.
“We still feel there are a lot of individuals who are not playing at their best but they’ve been able to play their role within the structure,” Buckley said.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Multicultural round was changed in 2018 showing that the AFL have not been as committed to multiculturalism as they should be.
Collingwood led by a point with minutes to go, Kyle Langford had the chance to be the hero with a set shot, however, he missed, and we saw the first draw of the season.
Eddie McGuire's latest bold idea has dropped - for North Melbourne to take over the outskirts of Melbourne and use it to rejuvenate the…
For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
The AFL has confirmed the right decision was made after a ball ricocheted off a boundary umpire's leg during the third quarter of Melbourne's…
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
