Three of the Pies’ biggest names had big nights. They still lost, and that’s a massive problem |
Three of the Pies’ biggest names had big nights. They still lost, and that’s a massive problem
May 31, 2026 — 2:47am
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Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury and Jordan De Goey amassed 100 possessions between them. All three were among the best players on the ground at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, and it still was not enough for Collingwood to beat the Western Bulldogs, another team in wildcard territory.
Coach Craig McRae conceded the Magpies had become a “middle of the road” team. He also repeatedly described his side as a “work in progress”.
Such assessments are befitting of teams on the rise, but not for a side that made last year’s preliminary final and who are regularly fielding the league’s oldest and most experienced 23s.
The Pies’ four point loss – 14.13 (97) to 13.15 (93) – leaves them clinging to a spot in the 10 and below parity with five wins and a draw from 12 games. Of their past 21 games, they have won just eight.
Bit by bit, the aura of McRae’s men is fading. They were once the kings of the close finish. Dogs coach Luke Beveridge remarked, “It was almost like they were toying with the competition”. Not any more.
The Pies have now 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.
As close as they were to knocking off Sydney,........