After years in contention for the flag, season 2013 will probably go down as the year in which Collingwood’s premiership window all but shut in front of their eyes.
For most of the year, Nathan Buckley came under the spotlight for not keeping Collingwood in the top four, when they clearly had the talent and the squad to do so.
This was reflected in the club’s elimination final exit to Port Adelaide, its’ earliest elimination from the finals since 2006.
Amidst the disappointment of a failed bid for a record-equalling 16th flag, there were still some flashes of brilliance from the Collingwood players and team overall.
What went right
Collingwood were once again regular finalists, reaching the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year but finishing outside the top four for the first time since 2008.
They regularly stayed in the top eight, and never (bar for the final two games of their season) lost consecutive matches during the regular season.
They also had two victories over the old enemy (Carlton), and also enjoyed a narrow victory over Geelong, a team they have not lost against since the 2011 Grand Final.
They also defeated Essendon and Sydney in consecutive weeks, those two victories showing the great potential the Pies had in performing on the big stage.
What went wrong
The Pies suffered eight losses in 2013, their most in a single season since 2008.
Among the losses included an embarrassing 46-point loss to Essendon, where the Pies were blown off the park, and a seven-point loss to the Suns on the Gold Coast.
There were also heavy losses to Hawthorn (twice) and the Sydney Swans, the latter coming on the Friday night stage in a controversial match marred by a racism incident involving their former captain, Adam Goodes.
That loss also caused the Pies to finish only one round outside of the eight, when they were 11th after round nine (though they climbed back into it the following round).
Never during any stage of the season did the Pies place higher than fifth on the ladder; a sign that their premiership window is about to shut after so many years in contention.
The future
Coach Buckley responded to the Pies’ meek exit from the finals by axing seasoned campaigners Darren Jolly, Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer, and there could be more players headed for the exit door, namely Dale Thomas, who struggled to get a game this year.
If this year was an indication, then it could take up to four or five years for the Pies to once again contend at the back end of the season.
They have not missed the finals since 2005 but that eight-year long finals streak could be about to come to a shuddering halt.
Questions the fans will want answered in 2014
– How many more players will leave Collingwood?
– Was the decision by Buckley to sack Jolly, Didak and Krakouer right?
– What needs to change at Collingwood if they are to contend again in 2014?
And last but not least…
– Can the Pies continue to make the finals next year onwards?
Les.
Guest
Considering the injuries during the season,the team did well to finish where they did.Against that,they should have played Jolley and Young in the elimination final.You cannot expect a 19yr old who has only played 6 or 7 games to carry the ruck in a final.The way they pass the ball into the forward line is a disgrace.It is a shambles at times.Reid was a success but when under pressure in the last quarter,he should have been switched to the back line. We should keep Thomas and Shaw at all costs.Very experienced players who give their all for the club.You cannot expect to replace these players overnight.Saying goodbye to Jolley,Didak and co was a mistake.They had another year in them. Viewing the final in the VFL,there doesn't seem to much talent there for next year, Is there something wrong with the administration as to losing top notched fellows wh work behind the scenes such as trainers,ceos etc during the season.This doesn't go down well with the supporters. Thank you.
Footy Expert
Guest
Ridiculous review. Collingwood had possibly the most injuries and the hardest fixture, and most of the problems were above the shoulders which can happen in the first year of Leading Teams. To play twelve first year players was terrific, and the stars of the team are not old. CAN a side drop on the ladder but wind forward on the premiership clock? Yes, and the Pies did exactly that this year. Despite finishing eighth and failing to win a final for the first time since 2006, the Magpies look in better shape for the long-term. Their nucleus of stars is still ripe and the kids coming through are genuinely exciting. Throw in pick No. 9 in this year’s draft and a possible massive hole in the salary cap should Daisy walk, which could be used to lure a prized target, and the Pies could be challenging again next season.
Ads
Guest
Injuries played a big factor! Fasolo, Toovey, Thomas, Goldsack, Ball and Beams missed huge chunks of the season. They will be better for blooding the kids and off loading the oldies. Grundy looks like a future star.
Joe
Guest
Clean out needs to be done , with so many injuries this year I believe we did very well with all the young kids we blooded. Those games that they have under there belts will come in very well next year. We will be playing finals next year with out a doubt. People need to remember this is NOT moulthouses team any more and i strongly believe in what Bucks is doing he will bring us that holy grail again in the next year or 2 and if Thomas wants to prostitute him self out to see if he can get more money get rid of him just shows you what he thinks of not team success but money only.
Maximus
Guest
Too harsh of a review. Sure, nobody would classify this as a successful season, but it had enough bright spots (high level performances, emerging talent) to suggest it was far from wasted. Pies will play finals next year - no trouble. Combine a hopefully light injury season with another year in the youngsters and a significantly easier schedule since we finished 8th, top four is probably, top 2 is possible. Btw - 'Dale Thomas struggled to get a game' - bit misleading. He was injured, and struggled to be fit - was an automatic inclusion when healthy. To be honest - Collingwood haven't been in premiership contention in the past 2 seasons - so finishing lower, blooding some kids and loading up on draft picks will see the club rebound into contention a lot faster than people give it credit for (as Geelong has done so successfully during even years...).