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.
Wayno
Guest
Gee I hope not. Completely outplayed by the Hawks today. Sign Cloke or drop him, he's not worth anywhere near the money Freo are offering. Probably better to let him go, and share the money around those worth keeping.
Loffie
Roar Rookie
Agreed. The Pies played their best football outside the Grand Final last year finishing on top and being beaten in the Grand Final...again...is that the 26th time? Malthouse got it right in 2010 the way he built the players and their psyches up at the right time and he almost got it right in that GF against Brisbane a lifetime ago. But having said that I still believe they need to beat the Hawks this weekend to feel good about facing them in the big one at the 'pointy end' of the season - The GF.
Veni, Vedi, Sherrin Calcitravi
Guest
Much happier to be building up to finals still than already burnt out like last year.