Magpies’ Struggles Mount as McRae Admits “Middle of the Road” Status
Collingwood’s AFL campaign is facing significant scrutiny following a string of disappointing results, culminating in a stark admission from coach Craig McRae that his team is currently “middle of the road.” The recent loss to the Western Bulldogs, a nail-biting 14.13 (97) to 13.15 (93) defeat, marked the Magpies’ third loss in their last four outings, fuelling growing discontent among the fanbase and calls for drastic team changes.
The match-defining moment came late in the game when Michael Sellwood, an unexpected hero for the Bulldogs, pulled off a spectacular, game-saving mark in defence. This pivotal play sealed the victory for the Dogs and left Collingwood languishing at a precarious 5-6-1 record, teetering on the edge of falling out of the coveted top 10 by the conclusion of the round.
Looking back over the past five weeks, Collingwood’s form has been a mixed bag of frustration and fleeting hope. A draw and three losses paint a grim picture, with their sole victory being a hard-fought 10-point win against the struggling West Coast Eagles. McRae did not shy away from the reality of their current standing. “We’re middle of the road. That’s a reality,” he stated candidly during his post-match press conference.
The coach lamented his team’s persistent struggles in crucial contests, particularly their inability to consistently compete at the clearances until the final term. “There was some really good and some really bad tonight, and we sort of lived in between that,” McRae explained. “There was 62 inside-50s against – that’s going to make it hard. Our backs defend the game as good as anyone in the competition, but we just don’t want them to have to as much as they have tonight and in recent times.”
Falling Short in the Crucial Moments
The pattern of close losses has become a troubling theme for the Magpies. Two of their recent defeats have been by single-figure margins, and in April, they also dropped a pair of games that were decided by less than a kick. This trend has not gone unnoticed by McRae. “Ultimately we’re falling short in close (games),” he admitted. “That’s probably the third close (game) we’ve lost and a draw. The season looks different in terms of ladder position if you get the job done in those, so we’re close but we’re not quite there.”
Fanbase Demands Action: Calls for Youthful Injection
The mounting pressure from the results has spilled over onto social media, where Collingwood supporters have been vocal in their demands for changes to the playing list. Prominent figures such as Beau McCreery, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Dan Houston, and Isaac Quaynor have all found themselves under intense criticism, with many fans advocating for them to be dropped from the side.
A key talking point among the fanbase is Collingwood’s status as the oldest roster in the AFL. This has led to a growing sentiment that it’s time to blood some of the club’s younger talent and provide them with opportunities. Online commentary reflects this desire, with one fan posting: “Give the kids a go, please.” Another echoed the sentiment, questioning: “How long before Fly (Craig McRae) plays some of the kids.”
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be a critical period for Collingwood as they attempt to arrest their slide and address the growing concerns both within the club and from their passionate supporter base. The question remains whether McRae and his coaching staff will heed the calls for change and inject fresh blood into a team that is currently struggling to find consistent winning form.
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