Whether it’s a premiership hangover or not, Collingwood has a mighty headache for which there is no instant cure.
For the first time since his fledgling days as a Magpie, coach Craig McRae’s magic carpet ride has hit turbulence.
The Magpies looking dejected after losing their round one AFL match against the Sydney Swans at the MCG on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images
Last week’s loss to Greater Western Sydney could be dismissed as an aberration, but there is no grey in a second flop. It should be a cause for concern to anyone with allegiances to the black and white.
As it did in opening round, the margin – of 33 points – flattered the Pies, who for the second week in a row saw a deficit balloon beyond the half-century before junk time goals prevented a proper rout.
The Pies are the sailor trying to plug holes in a leaky boat. No sooner is one issue seemingly solved, water comes in somewhere else. They lifted the intensity which was distinctly lacking against the Giants, winning the contested side of the game, only to clip their own wings with calamitous turnovers.
Twelve of the Swans’ 15 goals (78 of 102 points) came on turnover. As a comparison, they conceded an average of 40 points last year. Several goals came gift-wrapped with a ribbon on top. When players the quality of Darcy Moore and Steele Sidebottom are blundering, what hope is there for the mere mortals?
Jack Crisp of the Magpies and Justin McInerney of the Swans compete for the ballCredit: AFL Photos
Moore’s howler, an ill-fated attempt to switch play reminiscent of that he made in the 2022 preliminary final, gifted the easiest of goals for Justin McInerney, sparking the Swans’ second run of five or more goals. Moore’s performance, though, was a marked improvement on opening round.
The sight of Jack Crisp, one of the Pies’ most audacious playmakers, run down like a zebra on safari by Will Hayward for another gimme goal was a sobering reminder of how the mighty had fallen.
Premiership hangover? Why the Pies are flagging in quest for back to back
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15.03.2024
Whether it’s a premiership hangover or not, Collingwood has a mighty headache for which there is no instant cure.
For the first time since his fledgling days as a Magpie, coach Craig McRae’s magic carpet ride has hit turbulence.
The Magpies looking dejected after losing their round one AFL match against the Sydney Swans at the MCG on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images
Last week’s loss to Greater Western Sydney could be dismissed as an aberration, but there is no grey in a second........
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