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Opinion
Before the 2022 season commenced, there was a sense of uncertainty felt by Magpie supporters, pundits, and the general AFL public about Collingwood’s squad list and whether they made the right decision in appointing new coach Craig McRae.
Since the 48-year-old took over Nathan Buckley’s position, he has been able to implement extra elements to Collingwood’s game that are clearly evident in the brand of footy they play along with getting the right balance from defence to attack.
An astonishing run of 11 straight victories can be viewed as anything but a fluke. There have been some arguments suggesting that they have mostly played bottom-half teams and won many close games classed as ‘lucky’ during this current win streak.
There comes a point, though, where credit needs to be given for the impressive way in which the team has always found a way to pull off the impossible.
Below are some reasons why the black-and-white faithful should be optimistic and believe that their beloved club can achieve the ultimate prize in the sport.
1. Overcoming adversity and challenges
When everything is smooth sailing, it’s remarkable how people can forget the struggles and turmoil that the club experienced at the beginning of the campaign.
Events such as bombshell claims made by former Magpie Héritier Lumumba that “nothing has changed” at the club 15 months after a racism report was released, the Jordan De Goey incident in Bali, and the infamous TikTok video of Jack Ginnivan and Isaac Quaynor rating women would inevitably have the club’s culture come into question once again and were under even more scrutiny.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Last week in a post-match interview after their clash with Port Adelaide, Ginnivan gave a raw insight about the constant spotlight, admitting “it’s definitely taken a toll on my mental health”.
Despite the controversy and media pressures, this squad has used the negative energy around them and turned it into something positive which has made them united as a playing group as there is a real sense of togetherness about them which has made them closer and allowed for growth.
2. Winning those close battles
As mentioned earlier, Collingwood deserves all the praise for their mental strength and the character shown to fend off opponents with so many last-ditch efforts.
Come finals time in September when the pressure really heats up, all of those nail-biting encounters will become valuable experiences for this group when that time arrives.
In the back of their minds, they will have confidence knowing that they have been successful in similar scenarios which can carry a knock-on effect to the opposition to create fear that Collingwood will never say die.
The defence has to be mentioned as well, as they have all stepped up in the dying stages and have defended incredibly well. Players like Darcy Moore who had a slow start to the season have come alive and have been fundamental in closing out those tight games.
3. Willingness to take the game on
One of the most impressive areas of the club’s game style is the ability to take necessary risks and be courageous to move the ball down the corridor. This method has allowed the team to transition quickly from the backline to the offence where they can exploit opponents and carve them up.
This has worked due to their effective ball use and mastery in threading the needle at the right moments, especially in midfield where there is endless talent.
With the average age being just 23, experienced figures in the dressing room such as Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, and Taylor Adams have been instrumental in assisting the development of the younger core.
(Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
There is no better example than rising star Nick Daicos, who has absolutely thrived in the fast-paced style of footy that McRae wants his side demonstrating.
If the Pies find themselves in a losing position in the finals, there is no doubt that they are both brave and good enough to take the game on and go for the kill.
4. Constant tackling pressure
Probably one of the underrated assets of McRae’s side is the relentless tackling and forward pressure that is non-stop throughout matches.
It was showcased at its absolute best during the first quarter of the most recent encounter against the Bombers, where the pressure being put on display was simply breathtaking to watch.
Throughout the year they have completed an average of 62.1 tackles per game, beating the league average of 58.5, which is the most positive stat difference for them.
It is this newfound hunger, grit, and determination that has contributed greatly to the improvements from last season. The willingness to hustle in packs and fight for each other is what has made this team so difficult to beat and break down.
5. Versatility in the forward line
The mixture of tall and small forwards inside the attacking 50 has made the Pies an unpredictable force for key defenders.
Giants such as Mason Cox (211cm), Darcy Cameron (204cm), and Brody Mihocek (192cm) have the ability to take important contested marks when the team faces pressure or needs to weather the storm when on the back foot.
Smalls who possess the skill to bring the ball to ground like Jamie Elliott and Jordan De Goey help Collingwood to have an extra element to their play. The positioning and awareness to read the game and make quick leads is also a highlight of both their styles.
Obviously, goals are a critical part of the game and there is no denying that this team has multiple match-winners who can turn a match on its head under pressure. You just need to ask Jamie Elliott.
Ash Johnson has also come to life this season and has been a revelation in the past few weeks. His four-goal haul against the Demons on Friday night proved that he is more than capable of matching it with the best in the finals despite the lack of experience. He has a strong physical presence and high footy IQ.
In that game against Melbourne in particular, despite succumbing to repeat defensive inside 50s, Collingwood’s forward line was able to kick efficiently with fewer opportunities which pose a dangerous threat for the rest of the top eight.
6. The return of Brodie Grundy
Arguably the best ruckman in the league along with Max Gawn, Brodie Grundy has been so important over the years.
The 28-year-old suffered a serious knee injury back in Round 6 against Essendon on Anzac Day and is now close to being available for selection again, offering Craig McRae another card to play.
(Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The counterargument for opting to select him would be applying the ‘don’t fix what’s not broken’ attitude. That is a fair point as it definitely can be a risk to change a winning formula so close to September.
However, there are players of a certain quality that can be excused, with Grundy being one of them.
Fremantle was in a similar boat when Nat Fyfe missed a large chunk of 2022 while the Dockers were still winning, but coach Justin Longmuir was good enough to fit the pieces together and allow space for a special player and is still having a successful season.
Even if it means sacrificing someone like Mason Cox, Grundy’s importance in the stoppages and centre-bounce clearances cannot be underestimated.
What could stop the Magpies in their tracks is the inconsistency they show throughout games where they find themselves trailing and having to play catch-up until they find their best at the right time, along with some inexperienced players who have not tasted a lot of September action.
With just 25 days to go until finals fever hits the country, Collingwood supporters have every right to dream of lifting silverware at the G.
They should be immensely proud of the way their side has overcome adversity and challenges both in and out of the club to be in the position they currently find themselves in.
Second position on the ladder would be a huge success for most clubs. With the prestige and history of Collingwood, though, that is not enough to satisfy them.
The 15-time premiers want to go all the way and prove so many doubters wrong.
Geelong are rightfully favourites, but this Collingwood outfit has the potential to knock them off their perch.
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