Collingwood surprised many this year with a convincing, some say era-defining 48-point win over Adelaide at their home ground, followed by a 49-point win over the Bombers on Anzac Day.
Suddenly, many in the media were talking about the Pies not only making the finals but being a serious contender for 2018.
It was bad timing to then front up to the Tiger machine, yet the Pies came within 11 points before being blown away in the last quarter.
Since then, there was a lucky escape against the bottom-placed Lions in a shoot-out, and then a 20-point loss to the Cats, who only scored nine goals themselves in a simply awful game of footy. The final scorecard ended up looking like the 2005 grand final, when the Swans kicked 8.10.58 to win by four points.
Now, Nathan Buckley’s team are 4-4 and in a precarious position.
But while some say injuries are no excuse, I say that is rubbish. Imagine a Richmond-Geelong preliminary final where the Tigers have a full side and the Cats are missing Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield. Any excuse for the Cats if they get beaten? Of course there would be.
So it is hardly sacrilege to point to injuries being a contributing factor and the Pies have had 14 senior players miss multiple games of footy already in eight rounds. Has any side been hit harder, including GWS?
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A glass half-full approach would say the injury-depleted Pies have played four of the top five teams in eight rounds, and still won games they should have against the 18th, 17th and 15th-placed sides. The only side they have lost to currently outside the eight are GWS (who, at the time, were top of the ladder and without the injuries they now have).
The telling point of this draw so far is that the Pies have played either top sides or lowly sides, nothing in between. This is what makes the next three weeks absolutely critical, determining whether the Pies hover around the middle – desperately trying to rise above mediocrity yet again – or have a genuine launching pad for the finals at 7-4.
They play St Kilda (16th) and the Dogs (13th) at Etihad, then Fremantle (12th) at the G – all games they should win to be considered a genuine challenger.
Drop one or two here and it is going to be a rocky old climb. Win these next three and the Pies go into a Round 12 match against Melbourne with a shot to go 8-4.
Right now is the time to dig in, despite the injury count, and take the next three wins as a platform to be almost assured of finals. So Bucks, is this side good enough to win six of their next seven games to sit 10-5 or 11-4?
These coming weeks will determine if Collingwood need to mature as a group, and Nathan Buckley knows it.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
yeah Beaver, perhaps you regret your comment now.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
How'd that comment end up for you Terry?
Aligee
Guest
Collingwood has a few good wins every year, maybe they will have a couple more but ultimately they will be in the bottom half of the 8. Buckley needs to go, in fact he should already be gone. Eddie who has a bunch of handpicked YES men on the board needs to go as well, dictatorships rarely turn out well in the end.
Dan in devon
Guest
Far from a nothing year. The pies will play finals football. By round 14 we will be in the top 8.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Your problem is that you just don't see it! Collingwood are crap so you take your 'angry pills' and cast 'monkey droppings' far and wide. And remember, Collingwood's 'misfortune' is largely self inflicted. Blame what and who you want but refer to the title of this article from time to time. It may just slap you in the face one day and then you'll be happier. 37 years? Not looking that far ahead. We play WC this Sunday!
Chris
Guest
Sheedy is a control-freak. He brought poor Worsfold to Melbourne to run the show from the back room. Now, show me a person who can function efficiently when being bullied by a second-rate plumber! The current Essdendon coach would be happy to be sacked to be free of this medieval oligarchy that Sheeds has installed. Who said that Machiavellianism was dead?
Cat
Roar Guru
Chris
Guest
When have I minced my words Harry? I call it as I see it much to the chagrin of most...You won't win it this year and don't gloat over our misfortune because quite frankly you may end up in the wilderness again for another 37 years....
Kris
Guest
Which is comparable to every other team. Adelaide Betts, Walker, Hartigan, B.Crouch, Knight, M.Crouch, McKay, Cheney, Gibson, McPherson, Hampton, Milera, Murphy
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
It must hurt you to type that, Peter.Agree with part of it though.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Not interested in turning anyone into anything, just arguing my points and calling people out who rehash some cliche's they've overheard at the water cooler such as "Buckley dismantled a premiership side" without looking at the facts.
Harsh Truth Harry
Roar Rookie
Just another nothing year from a nothing coach. What haphazard recruiting! What a Malthouse Buckley Pert Gubby Allan mess you created red faced Ed! will finish 13th again before "budding" Pies coach Ross Lyon steps in.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Naaaah . . . that'd be no fun. Your relentlessness is hilarious. Do you honestly think you can turn people into believers?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
What bandwagon is that, dude? What do you mean referring to me and other Tiger fans? Actually don't know of many Tiger fans 'counting on a flag'. Not our fault the media, and others, are pumping us up! A rambling comment if I've ever heard one. Nank will be okay. And you know what, if he doesn't play we go to Plan B. No excuses like you and your mob!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
All fair points Chris, a few players will return over the next few weeks, Reid, Langdon, Maynard, Greenwood. Expect to see Sie, Mclarty and Wills given their chance. Not certain Daicos is going to make it but may just need another year.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Easy fix True Tiger, stop following me around and stop reading.
Chris
Guest
Nankervis has a strain and the Tigers are about to jump on the bandwagon. Where is True Tiger Fan and his brethren? Never speak too soon about what will eventuate in this AFL season. Running like Premiers in May does not guarantee anything and most definitely counting on a flag is utterly ludicrous. This game has become more brutal than ever before and the lack of protection afforded to the ball players is starting to show and the tally of walking wounded is mounting all round the competition. Time the AFL took stock of the situation and Collingwood needs to get rid of the Irishman and all the other half-wits they have employed since Buttifant left. Total clear out the order of the day! As for Carlton's injuries, that is simply due to the fact that they are throwing in boys to match it with men when they should be buidling up their bodies in the seconds. Pure Lunacy! The game has hit an all time low in terms of spectacle and on-field casualties. The rules committe needs to look at making the game more free-flowing and less injury-ridden without turning it into a crochet and knittng class!
dan in devon
Guest
I think the Pies are travelling ok. if they can get to 8-5/ 7-6 by round 14, i think they will be a good chance to play finals. More importantly, they need to get back to their running and handpassing game which lost its shape during the Richmond game. I felt the three games in 12 days really unsettled their season - and the absence of Pendlebury was a critical blow as he is vital in the contested area particularly as a link who can clear the ball into space. the game this week is a real opportunity for Buckley to reset the message and get players running and handballing through the half back and locking the ball in the forward 50. i have been disappointed with some of the small forwards such as Blair. Hope to see Fasolo back as his opportunism will take advantage of the improved play of Cox. Moore has been a disappointment - Buckley needs to decide how and where he wants Moore to play.
Don Freo
Guest
Yes by the middle of May, Freo might have got to the top of the ladder. A pre-cursor to the premiership ladder by the time thwy all come back.
Topper Headon
Guest
The Pies might have to take some advice from my old friends at REM and do some "Gardening at night". Whip over to the Punt Road oval and get a turf sample. Have that analysed and compared to the Holden Centre turf. It might help Darcy decide "should he stay or should he go"!