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"We thought we could be better than we are": Buckley reacts to Pies' latest loss

Nathan Buckley uncertain of how to replace injury-cursed defender
1st May, 2021
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Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has conceded the Magpies need to improve, and fast, after their 24-point loss to Gold Coast at the MCG.

The Pies were simply outplayed in front of a frustrated home crowd, the defeat leaving them marooned in 17th on the ladder.

Speaking after the match, Buckley conceded the team’s 2021 campaign has left a lot to be desired.

“We thought we could be better than we are at the moment,” Buckley said.

“I think we’ve been favourites for our last three games; I don’t know what basis that’s off.

Buckley said the Pies’ defending is of particular concern after the Suns dominated on transition. Best-afield Suns wingman Brandon Ellis was particularly damaging with a whopping 16 marks.

“They were able to move the ball through us a lot easier than we would’ve liked,” Buckley said.

“We’ve built our DNA on defending really well and clearly our offence has been an area of improvement that, but maybe focusing on that we’ve we’ve lost the DNA of defending the ground really well.”

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However, Buckley was firm in defending the club amid accusations of a disconnect between the Pies’ hierarchy, particularly new president Mark Korda, and himself, over the coach’s future at the helm.

““The commentary around there being a disconnect in the leadership of the football club in regards to my tenure … I mean, go back and just listen to the interviews.

“Mark Korda has spoken, Mark Anderson has spoken, I‘ve spoken, ‘Wrighty’ [General Manager of Football Graeme Wright] in some shape or form – we’re really clear on the timeline, so you’ve already got the answers to questions.”

The Pies play the winless North Melbourne in Round 8.

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