Nathan Buckley and Collingwood have plenty of soul-searching to do in the off-season after their AFL semi-final capitulation to Geelong.
A week after a stirring upset of West Coast in Perth, the 68-point knockout blow left serious questions lingering over the Magpies’ premiership credentials going forward.
The Cats dominated from the outset in what Buckley conceded was as comprehensive a loss as possible on the big stage.
So, two years on from the flag that almost was, just how far are the Magpies from delivering Buckley the premiership he craves?
“We’ve probably played three really poor games this year and each of them have been 10-goal losses,” Buckley said post-match on Saturday night.
“Our biggest losing margin outside of that was three goals to Port Adelaide a couple of weeks ago.
“We’ve been as consistent and competitive as any but we’ve had three bad games out of 19, which is a good ratio or a bad ratio depending on the way you look at it.”
The player movement period looms large in terms of both retention and recruitment.
Plenty will depend on whether star mid-forward Jordan De Goey re-signs with the club or leaves, with arch rivals Carlton a possible destination.
Collingwood could use more reliable genuine key forward options – which all of this year’s top-four sides have – and Jeremy Cameron and Ben Brown are possible targets.
But it doesn’t appear to fit Buckley’s philosophical stance.
“The way the game is played, it’s more (about) multi-dimensional forwards,” Buckley said.
“There’s not that many Tom Hawkins and Charlie Dixons around.
“Mason Cox played that sort of role for us and has been a bit of a target for us in front of the ball.
“I suppose if you’ve got one of those guys, you’re doing better than most.
“But I think the way the game is played and the way that it’s being contested and defended, the bigger, more cumbersome forwards are not your answer.”
Brody Mihocek (25) was the only Magpies forward with more than 15 goals to his name this season as Jaidyn Stephenson misfired, De Goey battled injury for a period and Jamie Elliott spent more time further up the ground.
Buckley also lamented sub-standard “connection” going inside-50 for large parts of the season.
The Pies’ midfield features stars like Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams and Adam Treloar, but Buckley conceded it is an area in which they need more depth after it was torn apart by Geelong.
Brodie Grundy was well below his best towards the back-end of the 2020 campaign, prompting external questions over his fitness.
Buckley revealed the Magpies’ first-choice ruckman was one of many players across the competition who had struggled with not being able to find a release from football this year.
“Brodes’ form hasn’t been as strong as his last two years … but he’s been huge for this footy club for a long time,” Buckley said.
“He’s a massive character, he provides so much energy and what he needs to do is rest, refresh and then come back and do what he’s always done.”
The strong Collingwood defence led by All-Australian Darcy Moore – who is expected to sign a new contract – is set and will be bolstered by Jeremy Howe’s return from injury at some point next season.
Star wingman Steele Sidebottom will also be back next season after missing the finals for family reasons.
