Collingwood are debating selection changes as they seek energy, pace and hunger to reinvigorate their ageing line-up ahead of Thursday night’s grand-final rematch against Brisbane at the Gabba.

As coaching great Leigh Matthews questioned why the winless Magpies are playing “without a great deal of energy”, adding that they were not a “great” premiership side last year, it’s emerged that five of their midfielders from last season have slipped in key statistical areas, including average tackle counts.

Under the pump: Jordan De Goey has not had the impact he enjoyed in the 2023 premiership season.Credit: Getty

Potential matchwinner Jordan De Goey is averaging six less disposals, including three less contested possession, one less clearance and almost two less tackles per game (he has five in total) than last year. Offensively, he hasn’t been the same player.

Scott Pendlebury has lifted his contested possessions and clearances, but is averaging almost two fewer tackles per game (eight overall), and has contributed to the Magpies’ shaky ball use. Steele Sidebottom is averaging four less touches, including almost three less contested possessions, and almost two fewer tackles per game (five overall).

Jack Crisp is almost a tackle down per game. Through three games, Nick Daicos has only eight tackles, coming as Magpies great Nathan Buckley on Monday called on the midfielder to improve his tackle efficiency.

“He was tackling at 65 per cent last year, he’s tackling under 50 per cent this year. So when you get your chance to tackle, you’ve got to stick them,” Buckley said on SEN.

Josh Daicos, the reigning best and fairest, has laid only seven tackles.

Champion Data has noted there is a theme emerging, particularly with the midfield failing to do the tough stuff, although it should be noted the Magpies won the overall tackle count 54-52 (but had only one forward-half tackle) in their 15-point loss to St Kilda on Thursday night.

QOSHE - The five Magpies who need to lift: McRae seeks energy and hunger - Jon Pierik
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The five Magpies who need to lift: McRae seeks energy and hunger

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25.03.2024

Collingwood are debating selection changes as they seek energy, pace and hunger to reinvigorate their ageing line-up ahead of Thursday night’s grand-final rematch against Brisbane at the Gabba.

As coaching great Leigh Matthews questioned why the winless Magpies are playing “without a great deal of energy”, adding that they were not a “great” premiership side last year, it’s emerged that five of their midfielders from last season have slipped in key statistical areas, including........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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