Collingwood's Aura Fades: Why a 'Middle of the Road' Team Can't Win

Magpies Suffer Four-Point Loss to Western Bulldogs

Collingwood's Saturday night loss to the Western Bulldogs has left fans questioning the team's aura as a competitive force. The Magpies' four-point loss, 14.13 (97) to 13.15 (93), showcased the team's inability to capitalize on their talent, with three of their biggest names, Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury, and Jordan De Goey, accumulating 100 possessions between them.

Coach Craig McRae's post-match comments highlighted his team's struggles, describing them as a 'middle of the road' team. This assessment starkly differs from the praise they received for their performances in the past. The team's reliance on experience has been criticized, with many calling out McRae's reluctance to give youth a chance.

In contrast, the Western Bulldogs have been thriving under coach Luke Beveridge's guidance. His team's performance on Saturday night demonstrated their ability to adapt and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. The Bulldogs' win has left them revitalized heading into the winter months, with many pundits predicting a strong finish to the season.

As the Magpies look to revamp their strategy, questions are being raised about McRae's leadership. The team's lack of success in close games has led many to wonder if they are truly ready for a premiership push. With their VFL team struggling, can Collingwood's seniors step up to lead the team to victory?

The contrast between the two teams was stark, with the Bulldogs showcasing their youth and resilience. McRae's men, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling to find their footing. It's unclear if McRae's team can turn their season around.

The Magpies' reliance on experience has been a major criticism of McRae's coaching style. With a VFL team that is 20th out of 22, it's clear that the Magpies are struggling to develop their youth. Their inability to adapt to different game plans and opposition styles has been a major issue. The team's struggles to capitalize on their talent has left fans wondering if they will be able to turn their season around.

The Magpies' reliance on Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury, and Jordan De Goey has been a major issue for the team. With a VFL team that is 20th, it's clear that the Magpies are not developing their youth as effectively as they could be. Their four-point loss has left them clinging to a spot in the bottom-half of the league.

It's now the Magpies have failed to win four of their past five games decided by a goal or less. Their only victory coming against Carlton after youngster Talor Byrne could not convert after the siren to draw the game. The highest-ranked side the Pies have beaten so far this year is St Kilda in 11th. The contrast with the Bulldogs could not have been more striking during a frantic finish that had the crowd of 43,430 on the edge of their seats until the final siren.

Beveridge is not afraid of picking inexperience. His premiership team in 2016 is among the youngest in the 18-team era. When the game was on the line, the Dogs had Will Lewis, the final player drafted onto their list and who was playing top-level VAFA football last year, and Michael Sellwood, a mid-season pick from last season, stepping up to play crucial roles in their victory.

‘‘I’ve always had the attitude that you explore the promise,’’ Beveridge said. ‘‘You don’t see what it’s like if you don’t play them. When the kids show good signs, it’s so important, you got pressure for spots.’’

One of the knocks on McRae at selection is his reliance on experience over youth. Their kids tend to need injuries to senior players before they get a chance to play. It’s staggering that of their draft picks since 2019, only Daicos and Beau McCreery are regular first-team players.

This is the generation that should be supporting Daicos in his prime years. Against the Dogs, their five least experienced players – Wil Parker, Roan Steele, Harvey Harrison, Angus Anderson, and Ed Allan – were their five with the fewest minutes on the field.

There may be good reason for McRae’s reluctance to play the fledglings, even if he is aware of the unhealthy reliance on Daicos. The Magpies do not have pressure from below. Their VFL team is 20th of 22 with two wins from nine games. There are glimpses of progress, however. In his fourth season, Allan, a No.19 pick in 2022, kept Marcus Bontempelli to just two disposals in the final term.

Anderson, a mature-age pick from last year, booted two goals. Steele is a running machine who looks at home on the wing.

‘‘Role players are starting to maybe do a little bit more than just their role because you know there’s a heavy reliance on some at times,’’ McRae said. ‘‘Nick’s – his highs and lows aren’t too high and low, are they? They’re always high, and Jordy’s in that space too. So we’re working towards that.’’

The leaning towards senior players delivered the club a flag in 2023 and kept them in contention last year, but the end of the road is fast approaching for some. Aged 35, Steele Sidebottom’s rate of decline is accelerating. He had little impact against the Dogs.

After a distressing six-week block in April and May, the Dogs head into the winter months revitalised after holding on to win. For that, they can thank Lewis and Sellwood. Ed Richards was their most influential player, and Bontempelli was excellent until three-quarter-time in a game where the Dogs dominated clearance, but the heroics of Lewis and Sellwood sealed victory just as it appeared Beveridge’s men were grinding to a halt.

Lewis was in the right place at the right time, and somehow alone, to crumb and snap the goal that put the margin above a straight kick. He has come a long way in a short time from Old Brighton.

‘‘If you don’t believe you can have an impact, I guess you’re not going to stay at the level for very long,’’ Lewis told this masthead in the rooms. ‘‘If I was to come in here and just think they’re all better than me, or I’m not at the level, then I wouldn’t get very far. Being a bit older, it also helps. It’s just knowing and having a feeling that you are better in some aspects, [and] then just using that to the best of your ability.’’

Sellwood’s mark, with 50 seconds left on the clock and a four-point margin to protect, was crucial in securing the win for the Bulldogs.