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.”
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.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
No thanks.
Could trade DeGoey?
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
I cant see a new coach fixing the problems caused through the off season. Collingwood did not have any where near enough depth to be getting rid of players like that. The football dept should've seen this coming. Buckley is trying to deal with the aftermath.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
They might get their defending DNA back if they take their best defender out of the forward line and make him a defender again for starters. They need Elliot back ASAP as well. Love Pendles but he is looking slower and Sidebottom is out of form. More rebound out of back will help give them more time and space.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
The Pies haven’t a feather to fly with in terms of draft picks to get Merrett and there is no obvious player swap either. Time to get away from the sentimentality.
Greg
Roar Rookie
Cox's career has been nobbled by a complete lack of ability in the people who are supposed to be delivering the ball to him. That is a tragedy.
Greg
Roar Rookie
I watched the seconds online last Friday. Unfortunately, Sier looks like a very lazy footballer and I don't think it's reversible. He did well at the stoppages, moving with determination over a short distance. In general play he either walked or slow jogged without a purpose. He didn't appear to be reading the play, just holding both arms horizontal and asking the ball user to kick it to him. Why someone would kick it to him when he is so close to them, after they have won the ball, is beyond me. The last minute change to include the new ruckman was interesting. He competed very well, I would be surprised if he isn't recruited by a club, sort of a Big O type from Brisbane. Ohenry has great hands and he really needs to be in the seniors. McCreery is playing a defensive role as a forward well in the seniors. Every AFL player now in the reserves needs a run at the top level.
Tommy Salt
Guest
I personally do not feel that Mr Buckley deserves to have his contract renewed. Making finals in 2012 and 2013 does not count as this was on the back of the strong squad Mr Malthouse had put together. Off his own bat he has made finals in 3 consecutive seasons. I'm not sure this a great return for a 10 year coach. Where to from here? I agree with most of the sentiment out there....a big change is needed both at coaching level and at squad level. I can see as many as 15 players on the current list not being there next season. This is my opinion only, but any recent player on the list at the moment that has not come from a football background needs to be moved on. I look at Cox, Keane, Madgen, Wilson, Lynch et al and think there is no room for you next season. There are plenty of good players in second tier comps that should be looked at to make up squad numbers 35-42. I'm over these "project" players with great athletic ability blah blah. In any event the Pies should be looking to get as many games into the young guys as possible.
Opps74
Roar Rookie
The other thing to mention when comparing coaches is the similar periods Buckley and Malthouse shared. Malthouse; 11 seasons; Finals series; 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 (9); Grand finals 2002, 2003, 2010 (5 if include replay) and 2011; Flags 1. Buckley; 10 seasons*; Finals series; 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020 (5); Grand finals 2018; Flags 0. Both coaches wanted to stay on! When we compare the 2 tenures, you can not justify how Buckley stays on
Opps74
Roar Rookie
If Bucks survives, it should be conditional, his mates Sanderson and Harvey need to be moved on. Is it coincidental that our most productive periods and the only time we looked like we could score with an attacking game plan were when Longmuir, Hocking and Boyd were on the coaching list...before and after their arrival/departure we have been ordinary. I don't even know how one would describe our current game style. However, Bucks has forced the hands of the Pies decision makers declaring his willingness to continue coaching beyond this year. Bucks has been a champion of the club, but now our hearts and fondness we have of his playing career must be parked. Can the man coach? If this was a non Collingwood champion coaching our team for the past 10 years without the ultimate prize, would we be advocating for his reappointment. Bucks position has placed decision makers and club supporters into a conflict of interest like position. Bucks won't walk, club won't push...how does the club decide the right course of action?
Greg
Roar Rookie
Agree Pete. Whoever has the responsibility to make the decision must make it now. Avoiding accountability by some marketing exercise will do great harm. It's the future that counts now.
Do you think Buckley was responsible for the draft debacle or for giving Grundy a 7 year contract? A football club and a football department is more than just a head coach. I would like to see a new coach but I would be happy if new assistant coaches were brought in. But agree that Collingwood can not sit on its hands form the rest of the season.
John
Yet another listless, vague interview by Bucks. He clearly has no answers and has 'faraway' eyes. The lack of energy is condemning.
Merrett unlikely. Sam Weidemann out of contract at the end of year and Melbourne have shown their preference for Brown despite Weidemann starring in the VFL. He seems highly gettable given his background.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Put Henry in and play Rantall, Poulter, Macrae, McInnes, Mcreery and co for the rest of the year. Get games under the belt and target Merrett and Sam Weidemann in the off season. At the end of the year more players will go. Greenwood, Mayne and possibly WHE, Thomas, Lynch and Sier. Not sure why the club are so bullish on Keane. His feet seem glued to the ground.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Bucks runs the ship who else is responsible?
Moore definitely to CHB. I think the forward problem revolves around the smaller forwards. I thought we were hopeless at ground level with the exception of the second quarter where we couldnt convert.
Yes I know. I was responding to the previous comment which I thought was unfair on the players mentioned - except DeGoey.
It's not just about Buckley (though I would prefer him to go).
Sier is only 23. I agree with Wright when he says we need some stability on the field. I would give Sier a run of games and give him the opportunity to build confidence. Pendles to half back; Sidebottom to the forward line as he is a good reader and can kick a goal or two. Josh Thomas was good at centre bounces but looks lost in general play. I think Maynard is a good option.