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It is fair to say that Collingwood supporters have endured a tough ride since 2014, with glimpses of promise, but their team failing to produce a consistent season.
On the verge of being sacked at the conclusion of a disappointing 2017, Nathan Buckley is now the happiest he has been for a long time.
Six wins on the trot will give the Pies total confidence heading into the final stretch of the home-and-away season, and with a probable top-eight spot locked in, they can strive for a top-four finish.
After four years of frustration, the Magpie army may finally be tasting sweet September action again, as sticking by Bucks has seemingly started to reap its own rewards.
So how have they turned it around? Here are the top five reasons for their success.
1. The drafting of young forward Jaidyn Stephenson
Stephenson was selected at No.6 in the 2017 National Draft, overlooked by other clubs due to doubts regarding his heart ailment.
A gutsy call from Collingwood to draft him seems to be paying dividends, with the speedy forward already booting 24 goals in his debut season to date, including a five-goal haul against Adelaide in Round 4.
The 19-year-old has been compared to the likes of superstar Lance Franklin, with his speed and versatility a breath of fresh air.
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd says he would likely pick him in the All Australian squad – a superb accolade for the young player.
2. Collingwood are scoring again
Stephenson, along with fellow forwards Will-Hoskin Elliott (30 goals) and Josh Thomas (24) are the club’s three leading goal-scorers of 2018.
The Pies have not had a forward capable of filling the void left when Travis Cloke departed. However, instead of a single replacement, Collingwood have created a forward line where all key forwards are equally contributing. The likes of Jordan De Goey and big American Mason Cox can bob up on their day with big bags of goals, as well as contribute on a weekly basis to the scoreboard.
With the potential return of Jamie Elliott and Alex Fasolo in the latter part of the season and the rise of Brody Mihocek over the last few weeks, the Pies’ forward line is getting stronger and stronger, averaging 95 points a game – the most since 2013 where they were able to make the finals – to be ranked third in points scored, only behind Richmond and Melbourne.
Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images
3. The All Australian form of Brodie Grundy
Brodie Grundy’s ruckwork has been first-class this season. He is averaging a career-high 38 hitouts a game and is the highest clearance getter in the club.
The silver service he provides down to his midfield is elite, with the ability to dominate other ruckmen in the competition. Moreover, his versatility is something most other clubs do not possess.
His skill around the contest is as good as any average midfielder and is backed up by the numbers, with a career-high average of 21 disposals a game, five tackles and three inside 50s – incredible numbers from the No.1 ruckman.
Grundy is undoubtedly in the frame for All Australian selection, in a battle with Max Gawn – but with both in career-best form, how could you leave one out?
4. Impressive form of their midfield
To get the ball inside the forward 50, one needs to win the contest in the middle, and with the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar, Tom Phillips and Steele Sidebottom sharing the midfield, there is a good chance that they will win more than they will lose.
Collingwood are winning the possession count by more than 300, with key ball-winners Sidebottom and Treloar both averaging a career-high 31 disposals a game.
These players ooze class through the centre of the ground, as well as being able to swing forward, and kick vital goals due to the strength present in the middle.
Additionally, players such as Tom Phillips and Chris Mayne are playing pivotal roles in the centre, with the former having a breakout year in the midfield with the ability to swing forward like Sidebottom. Mayne, on the other hand, has resurrected his career at the club, playing a more defensive role and looking like he has cemented a spot in their best 22.
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5. Don’t forget their defence
In what arguably has become a more defensive competition, with lower scores on average across the season, the strength of a back-line is more relevant than ever.
Collingwood were conceding approximately 90 points a game prior to this season, but this year they have brought that down to 76 – with only 69 points per game on average conceded in the past seven rounds – to be ranked ninth in points against, which is up from previous years.
Ex-Demons Lynden Dunn and Jeremy Howe have anchored a solid back-line, with young stars Brayden Maynard, Jack Crisp and Matthew Scharenberg having arguably their best seasons to date.
Their back-line is starting to take shape and work well with each other and with the absence of Lynden Dunn for the rest of the season, more of the work will be put onto their younger defenders.
The run home (with predictions)
Round 16: Essendon (MCG) W
Round 17: West Coast (MCG) W
Round 18: North Melbourne (MCG) W
Round 19: Richmond (MCG) L
Round 20: Sydney (SCG) L
Round 21: Brisbane (Etihad) W
Round 22: Port Adelaide (MCG) W
Round 23: Fremantle (Optus) W
Finish on 16-6.
Currently, the Magpies are sitting pretty on the ladder on 10-4 with eight rounds to go. They have a month at the ‘G coming up with four matches against teams still contending for the finals. Rounds 16-20 will give us a clear indication of whether they can contend for the flag.
Filling the voids of midfielder Adam Treloar and defender Lynden Dunn will not be easy, but with the potential return of the former in the finals series, as well as a possible double chance, anything can happen with this club.
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