With Nathan Buckley stating that Collingwood need to play finals in 2018, and the players agreeing, there’s plenty of pressure on the Pies.
But supporters need to be patient. Now is the time to back Bucks and show him all the support we can muster to bring home our next flag.
First however, let’s delve into the logistics of the Pies’ best 22 come Round 1 in 2018.
In defence, we are hearing of a big change to start at centre-half-back, Darcy Moore.
Moore has the ability to play the same role as Jeremy Howe. Tyson Goldsack and Lynden Dunn can take the lock-down roles, allowing Moore to float across and attack the packs, take contested marks, and allow Howe to go forward, where he prefers to play.
The addition of Sam Murray is highly underrated. His kicking skills are phenomenal and he will give the side some speed and dash coming out of the backline. What’s more, he is only 20 years old – give the kid some time to settle in.
In the midfield, I like Brayden Maynard’s move into the middle – he will take anyone on, charge in like a bull, but also use his foot skills on the outside.
Daniel Wells is a damaging player, particularly on the inside – he’s all class.
Then there is the regular midfield brigade in Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar, who needs to improve his kicking efficiency.
It all adds up to a strong mix of young and old throughout the midfield, along with defenders and forwards able to go through the middle, adding flexibility.
AAP Image/Julian Smith
Moving into the forward line, picking the starting six a difficult task.
Jordan De Goey is a must, he knows where the goals are, and Alex Fasolo will provide a lead-up target either on the wing or inside the forward 50.
Barring the result of any disciplinary action by the club, Jamie Elliot will again provide as a lead-up target and a quality crumbing forward.
With Moore playing down back, Howe will be able to play up forward with the same type of freedom he had down back. Working in tandem with Howe will be Ben Reid, who may have lost some pace, but will help out in the ruck when Brodie Grundy needs a break.
The final forward spot goes to Callum Brown, purely because he showed a lot in his few games played.
With the bench, Maynard, Levi Greenwood and Travis Varcoe can all play either back, middle or forward, allowing Buckley to play the match-ups accordingly.
The last spot was a tough decision between Kayle Kirby and Josh Daicos but, in the end, Daicos gets the chocolates off the back of his last few games and the possible spark he could provide.
The Magpies have a lot of flexibility, but lack enough A-Grade players to really challenge for a flag. There needs to be a dramatic lift in a lot of B and C-grade players to really propel the Pies into flag contention.
Be patient Pies fans, back Bucks, and like the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA, ‘trust the process’.
Here is my 22 for Round 1 in 2018:
FB: Lynden Dunn, Tyson Goldsack, Taylor Adams
CHB: Sam Murray, Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp
W: Steele Sidebottom C: Adam Treloar W: Will Hoskin-Elliot
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Daniel Wells
CHF: Jordan De Goey, Jeremy Howe, Callum Brown
FF: Alex Fasolo, Ben Reid, Jamie Elliott
Bench: Brayden Maynard, Levi Greenwood, Josh Daicos, Travis Varcoe
Unlucky: Tom Langdon, Matthew Scharenberg, Kayle Kirby, Josh Thomas
Chris
Guest
Well...it's their last straw. If they don't produce the goods there could be rumblings and a mini revolt. While they are there we need to support them. However, if they serve up more rebuilding talk then they will have to deal with the Collingwood fan base hurricane! That is something to fear!
Pieman
Guest
Bang crash.....Eddie and Nathan have taken many pie supporters as fools and if you still believe they can get in finals well then you are one of them...top 4 ....what a joke...dont cry next year ...when they come up with new or old excuses....
Chris
Guest
The changes in personnel have given Buckley some breathing space and there is more akin to corporate delegation. The influx of new ideas and thoughts can only help the CLUB. My biggest trepidation is this: Do we go for Darcy Fogarty or Aaron Naughton? An excitment machine or a bookend? This is more relevant than all the other issues raised.....
Larry1950
Guest
Is that blooming James Aish the guy the Lions were happy to trade, his stats falling 50% at both clubs in the second year? He wasn't a 'go home' trade, even the Lions worked out he is a b grader.
Tricky
Guest
Carlton is moot because the list was completely different, now you're saying Cloke was done this year but previously you say he was done in 2012. Didak was crucial in games in 2012; yeah he was delisted but that was after 2012. Just admit you're bagging MM in desperation to justify the failed succession plan, as far as the thread subject I like what we're doing off field - should've happened years ago and hopefully it's not too late. If we are to make top 4 that'll hinge on how much Nathan listens to those around him, seems to be that way going by what Phillips stated on sen
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Too easy Tricky, Malthouse performance at the Carlton football club. Ask a Carlton supporter what they thought of Mick post 2011. Didak was delisted and nominated for the draft and no one took him. A champion player in his day but was done. Same with Cloke at the dogs, best was behind him.
Stephen
Guest
Agree Tricky. We are only left to wonder what Mick Malthouse might have achieved with the young Collingwood list - if the President's succession plan was never implemented.
Tricky
Guest
Can you prove that MM was "done" at Collingwood post 2011? Can you list those who "knew"? Can you give examples of Cloke and Didak as "past their best" in 2012? And no I don't want your opinions I want tangible fact. Bag MM all you want to "justify" the "succession" plan but the facts are there MM had us contending most years in his tenure and was probably unlucky not to put another cup in the cabinet
Tricky
Guest
Daniel Wells an inside mid? Is and always has been an outside receiving mid link up player and we don't see him on the park anywhere near enough. Also it's a lot to ask for patience when it's already run out. I agree the list is lacking A graders but that is by and large a result of the shittiest development in the league - this is folly to ague. This off season it seems the club has admitted self fault and finally making some changes while backing the list they have. I like this, it tells me that we're not just sitting on our hands beating our chest trumpeting how good we are while the competition is rolling on the floor laughing at us. These changes need to happen years ago. Patience you ask? Yeah right us Pies supporters quite rightly run out of that years ago.
Stephen
Guest
Honest points Chris. When you say - you're not sure what the boardroom is planning - its quite possible, medium to long-term planning does not exist. Difficult to know for sure - given the President's preference for 'smoke and mirrors'. But observing key decision making from afar - has left many of us scratching our heads. The former CEO has moved on in unclear circumstances. Graeme Allan came and went in odd circumstances. Neil Balme's departure was Richmond's gain and Collingwood's loss. The list management strategies are unclear at best - with Mayne, Wells, the high number of midfielders drafted etc. leaving many at the club pointing fingers. The much heralded 'club review' seemed to come and go with nothing profound in its recommendations.- publicly at least. Leadership among the playing group doesn't appear to be strong - as Scott Pendlebury arguably becomes more introverted with age and at odds with the coach according to some reports. And finally, the on-field performances since Buckley's appointment has seen a steady and lineal decline. Collingwood members have a right to be a little confused. Australia's largest sporting club has lost a little clarity and strategic direction. The good news is - the continued and growing support of members and sponsors. This support however, must cut both ways.
Chris
Guest
Being more loyal than any of my black and white brethren here, I somehow feel that this two year contract extension is a double-edged sword. If Buckley succeeds, then Eddie McGuire will stay on. However, if he fails I can see both of them moving on and doing something else. I would have it as a guess that both will become full-time Multi-Media Personalities. This is where we stand. The current situation is either transitional or definitive. I don't believe any of us really know what the boardroom have been planning. But, one thing is for certain, this two year deal is not convincing. It may have simply papered over the cracks. Eddie may throw in the towel and take Bucks with him should things take a turn for the worse and hand over the reins to someone else. Russian roulette for both of them or simply a lifeline? Stability is espoused by all but I am not sold on the idea!
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Yep.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Maynard may well become the next Luke Hodge HB/mid . De Goey is about to become a star, Moore is 200cm these taller guys develop later, the new kid from the Swans could be anything, Aish is about to bloom, Treloar and Adams are still young and Grundy is one of the best young rucks in the game. Then there is the unknown in Daicos, Kirby, Brown....I don’t share your pessimism David,
David C
Guest
Brissy made a big mistake drafting Aish but at least they got something back by trading him to Collingwood. Pies will probably cut their losses and delist him next year.
David C
Guest
Probably equal odds at finishing bottom 4 as finishing top 4. If the wheels fall off early I can see a Freo/North scenario where a full rebuild is required. Just not enough young class on the list.
Reality Check
Guest
Buckley is and will remain a failed coach; that much is obvious.
Reality Check
Guest
Tom Phillips went on record two days ago saying that the 'well loved' Collingwood coach was now 'less overbearing'. Buckley should consider that as a compliment given his track record of failure, which is set to continue during 2018.
Reality Check
Guest
Stephen, I agree absolutely that Howe is a skilful player; whether he can carry the load @ CHF if given the opportunity I am less certain, but given the Pies situation the switch is worth considering.
Stephen
Guest
True HJ. For memory, only Rodney Eade had a lower approval rating amongst fans. Buckley's survival appears solely based on his friendship with the President. And additionally - the President's ability to sway the opinion of Collingwood fans. McGuire however, is not the first boss to favour a colleague. It's just in this case - a whole lot of people are impacted. Then-again non-Magpie mugs like me aren't losing too much sleep over the current state of the Carringbush. Importantly, the AFL rules around equalization - mean a long drought of finals football from Collingwood - can impact attendances and result in reduced dividends for the other 17 clubs. That's a commercial reality of the current system. A system that appears to working very well - from what I can understand.
Hungry Jack
Guest
Maybe Levi Greenwood, too? On serious money for a plodder!