We can beat anyone, anytime – that’s the bullish statement from Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley ahead of the AFL finals.
The Magpies lost two of their last three games to finish fourth and will start outsiders against minor premiers Hawthorn in Friday night’s qualifying final blockbuster at the MCG.
But if Buckley is worried ahead of his first finals series as an AFL coach, he is keeping it well-hidden.
Asked if he was confident about Collingwood’s chances, Buckley replied: “It’s mainly in the hearts and minds of the players and the fact that I have absolute belief in their ability to execute a game plan, to attack an opposition with absolute endeavour and (ferocity).
“They can do it for four quarters – we can beat any opposition at any time and we’re pretty confident about our ability to do that on Friday.”
Buckley made a point of noting that not many people outside the club share his optimism.
“We won’t turn up otherwise and I’m sure (Hawthorn coach) Alastair Clarkson will be telling you the game is still to be won,” he said.
“Quite frankly, there’s a bit of condescension going on around Collingwood, around our players, around our coaches, around our club in general.
“We don’t mind being in that position.
“There are a lot of questions about our form and rightly, there should be.”
Buckley shone in the finals during his playing career, winning the Norm Smith medal in the 2002 grand final despite Collingwood losing.
He said the playing field was the only place where his players could prove their doubters wrong.
“What you say and what you think and what you feel are irrelevant,” he said.
“We’ll be judged on what we do and we’ll either succeed or fail on what we do – that’s what September is all about.
“We can’t answer those questions at a press conference … this studio is not where the football is played.”
Buckley confirmed that ruck-forward Chris Dawes was in contention to return to the side, despite being dropped for last weekend’s win over Essendon.
The Collingwood coach will not hesitate to recall Dawes if it suits the team, despite the round 23 omission.
“It is what it is and if that happens, then that happens – that means he’s nice and fresh,” Buckley said.
Captain Nick Maxwell, who is no ruckman, had to do the job at times in Dawes’ absence.
“I had a bit more respect for (No.1 ruckman) Darren Jolly and the boys, obviously it’s not something I’m used to,” Maxwell said.
Buckley added Tyson Goldsack was still to prove his fitness, but said Dale Thomas was not in doubt despite training on Tuesday away from the main group.
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