Collingwood are in a unique situation at the moment, just four years ago they were a top four team and playing off in grand finals.
They had a young midfield that was set to dominate for the next six to seven years. But that hasn’t panned out.
Since Nathan Buckley took over the role as the head coach of the Pies, He has made it very clear what he thought of the side and what he wanted to put in place so they could have another chance at a premiership.
His harsh actions towards the ‘rat pack; led by Dane Swan, Dayne Beams, Ben Johnson and Heath Shaw was an eye opener. He wanted the culture of his football club to be changed. Now there is only one member from the original rat pack remaining – Dane Swan.
Last year the Pies had what many called a bad year as they finished outside the eight for the first time in a long time. Injuries didn’t help their cause but I don’t think they were as bad as many were making them out to be. They only hit hard at the end of Round 19 and their season was nearly over by then after suffering an embarrasing loss to the Lions.
Collingwood made some big moves in the off season, trading Dayne Beams for picks 5 and 25 and Jack Crisp. There is a future upside there but it won’t help them immediately. They also secured speedster Travis Varcoe and ball magnet Levi Greenwood, which will help their cause.
The area I see the Pies struggling in is attack. They have Travis Cloke, who hasn’t had a great run lately, and an inconsistent Jamie Elliott. They need one of their other big guys to stand up, and an injury-free run from Ben Reid would benefit them hugely.
Collingwood have one of the best midfields going around at its best, with Scott Pendlebury, Swan, Steele Sidebottom and Greenwood pushing through there. But the biggest issue is their ruck stocks. they have two inexperienced guys trying to hold down ruck spots all season which I think is unrealistic.
Finishing position: if everything goes right eighth, and if things go wrong 11th to 14th.
Michael
Roar Rookie
Agreed. As much as I love the Pies, I have to admit that our midfield is in bad shape. Even 12 months ago we could boast the impressive list of names: Pendlebury, Swan, Beams, Sidebottom, Ball, Macaffer, Lumumba. We'll likely have just 3 of those play the majority of this year, with only one now a genuine star (though Swan may still have a surprise or two left in him). The upside is the number of very talented young mids we have waiting for their chance, exactly as you said. Adams, Freeman, Thomas, Kennedy, De Goey, Broomhead, Karnezis, Crisp. These are all guys who may in future years cement themselves in our starting midfield rotation. The big question for me is will we get to that stage before Pendles and Cloke retire. If we do, watch out.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Mate, if there's anyone here who clearly needs medication, it's you.
slane
Guest
Mate. You've just used the word 'Nuffy' twice and then made an insult about the 2 times table. Are you a 12 year old or are you just as immature as one? I hope your parents know you are using their computer
Brucey
Guest
Don't give away you're highly thought through and conceptually, articulated insights Stinger Along with mastering the 2 times table they are your greatest gifts
Brucey
Guest
Hopefully that won't happen to you Scott.. You've woreked so hard on being so we'll known and respected Hopefully THAT won't change.. You NUFFY
Brucey
Guest
Tom - you are a very balanced and reasonable blogger And dead right.. The mid needs Freeman De Doey and Adam to improve and this will take a year or two Rebuilding not renovating
Brucey
Guest
How much by Paul "medicated" D Or are you just another huff nuff with no idea and big statements? HOW MUCH BY NUFFY?
Stinger
Guest
There is only one thing wrong with the Pies........his name is Nathan Buckley! Until he is gone, the Pies have Buckley's chance!
scott davern
Guest
Can only hope they slip further down the ladder ,and their president slides into obscurity !
TomC
Roar Guru
I don't think it can really be said that Collingwood still have one of the best midfields in the league. Pendlebury is no doubt one of the best players in the league, and Sidebottom is an able deputy, but Swan isn't the player he was and Greenwood is a limited player with just one really good season to show for years in the system. I'm looking forward to seeing whether Elliott can kick on from his early form last year. He looked very damaging for a while, then tapered away. Maybe he couldn't cover the ks he was running week after week. Collingwood aren't likely to play finals in 2015. In a year's time will look back and judge the success of their season based on the continued development of players like Broomhead, Grundy, Freeman, Scharenberg, Langdon, Moore and De Goey, rather than ladder position.
Paul D
Roar Guru
If Cloke can sort out his goalkicking yips it will be the biggest mental turnaround since Mitchell Johnson. However, the Pies are going to lose their first game of the season by plenty, and it will all be downhill from there. When is Eddie McGuire going to resign? Any predictions?