Collingwood: An Analysis

SUPERFOOTY

Collingwood v Port Adelaide Sunday August 3, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: WNW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.15 Port Adelaide $1.70

ON JUNE 10, Collingwood sat fourth with an attractive 8-3 record and a percentage of 122.1.
In the seven weeks since, the Magpies have staggered to 1-5 and a miserable percentage of 81.5 — the third-worst in the competition above only Melbourne and St Kilda.
But while the critics round on Nathan Buckley’s side, a spluttering offence is not the main factor in the Pies’ plunge down the ladder.
Collingwood’s weak attack has been an issue all season, but its inability to stop the opposition’s attack has emerged as its most glaring problem.
In fact, the drop off in Collingwood’s defensive pressure in the last seven weeks has been staggering. The Pies have gone from conceding 71.9 points a game after Round 12, ranked third, to giving up 96.3 in the six games since, ranked 14th.
Collingwood’s rivals are now feasting on scoring opportunities that simply weren’t there before. The Pies have relaxed the noose when it comes to defending from clearances, turnovers and kick-ins. Just about everywhere.
Up until Round 12 the Pies were scored on from a clearance only 20.1 per cent of the time — the second-best in the AFL. But between rounds 13 and 18 it has ballooned to 27.9 per cent — ranked 16th.
Turnovers? Up from 18.9 per cent (4th) to 20.8 per cent (9th). Kick-ins? Up from 10.2 per cent (10th) to 12.7 per cent (16th).

Reader's Comment I am a mad Pies supporter, but I would love for someone in the media to actually analyse Collingwood's performances of late instead of looking for statistics to answer easily identified questions. For instance, have a look at their centre clearances, there is no plan, it is simply pick it up and kick it. Their entry into the forward line is similar, very one dimensional, kick long and hope Cloke, Elliott or White compete. Collingwood's problem is there is no precision or plan to their movement which means that turnovers are common and if you play numbers behind the ball you can carve past them on the counter. There is so much talent there and yet they are getting argumentative and beaten by well structured, well planned, co-ordinated movements by lesser oppositions. It is very disappointing to see such a confused, confidence-lacking Magpies outfit. James

When the ball entered Collingwood’s defensive 50m before Round 12, the Pies only conceded a goal 20 per cent of the time — the best in the competition. Yep, No.1.
In the last six matches they’ve coughed up a goal 28.1 per cent of the time — 15th.
It was a first 11 matches that saw Collingwood’s defensive heat cover up its shy offence. But that defensive intensity has fallen away badly and the losses are flowing.
Collingwood’s scoring has dropped from 87.8 points per game between rounds 1-12 to 78.5 between rounds 13-18.
Buckley was peppered with questions about his side’s attack after the Adelaide loss, but admitted it was the defence that concerned him most.
“We’d like to use the ball better. Having said that, in the first seven rounds we were the No. 1 pressure side in the comp and the 18th for disposal efficiency,” Buckley said.
“Our disposal efficiency has improved over the last two months, but our football has gone backwards so we’re under no illusions around what the most important elements of our game is.”
Everywhere you look, the Pies’ defensive frailty leaps off the page.
Their opposition has averaged 380 disposals a game, which is the most in the competition.
Forget the club song. That is a cakewalk.