Magpies Unveil 2017 Logo

Triple M

Collingwood commemorating 125 years of club history

(Image: Collingwood FC)

Collingwood have unveiled their season 2017 logo which will commemorate 125 years of the club's history.
The Magpies joined the Victorian Football Association in 1892 – the same year they were founded - before joining seven other breakaway clubs in establishing the Victorian Football League (now known as the Australian Football League).
Collingwood have won 15 premierships to be the third-most successful VFL/AFL club of all time behind Essendon (16) and Carlton (16).
Club president and host of Triple M's Hot Breakfast Eddie McGuire explained the symbolism of the commemorative logo.
"This important marker of our great history features two magpies, including our heritage bird looking back on the past 125 years and our more modern bird facing forwards and representing our exciting future," McGuire said.
"Of course black and white features heavily – these colours are obviously very important to our club as they represent our attitude and what we stand for.
"The gold laurel has been integrated from the main logo and was drawn from the engraving on our 15 premiership cups, another proud symbol of our club.
"2017 is an exciting time for Collingwood with the introduction of the AFL women's and netball teams. We now have four teams, including the VFL, so every kid has the opportunity to dream of playing in the black-and-white stripes."

Collingwood News

Celebrating 125 years
A lot can happen in 125 years.
So it makes sense that the Collingwood Football Club will be celebrating its 125th birthday in style in season 2017.
As the club marks its special anniversary, there's much to celebrate and reflect on, while looking forward to what the next 125 years hold.
The 125 year commemorative emblem
For the next 12 months, you will notice a new emblem on Collingwood apparel and other club items.
The commemorative emblem represents:

• The two magpies represent our male and female teams standing side by side as we embark on this new era
• The two magpies represent the old and the new, including our heritage bird looking back on the past 125 years, and our more modern bird facing forwards and representing our exciting future
• Black and White features heavily – these colours are obviously very important to the club as they represent our attitude, and us
• Integration of the gold laurel which is represented in Collingwood's main logo and was drawn from the engraving on our 15 premiership cups. The 125 element also uses the same font and lettering as that of the premiership cups

Key dates

• 25 September 2016 (1891)
  • 125 years since the Victorian Football League (VFA) finally agreed to admit the Collingwood Football Club into the competition after two years of lobbying.
    
• 12 February 1892
  • A meeting at Collingwood Town Hall to gauge community interest in the new venture. The Town Hall was overflowing, with riotous scenes and famous speeches.
• 26 February 1892
  • The first meeting of the Collingwood Football Club (to elect office bearers) was held at the Collingwood Town Hall.
• 16 April 1892
  • The club played its first practice match and elected its first captain at the Yarra Hotel before the match. The team played against Clifton (John Wren's team) at Darling Gardens.
• 7 May 1892
  
  • The first official senior game for the Collingwood Football Club (against the Carlton Football Club) was played at Victoria Park. A huge crowd watched as the Magpies lost, kicking 2.11 (23) to the Blues 3.13 (31).
• 28 May 1892
  • Collingwood registered its first win, defeating Williamstown.

The dawn of a new era
Season 2017 is an exciting time for the club with the introduction of its women's football and netball teams, so the club now has four teams that offer every child the opportunity to dream of playing in the famous Black and White stripes.
The emblem helps mark a point in the club's development where it has officially become more inclusive and diverse with the launch of the two women's teams.

Links

• Celebrating our 125th anniversary
• Animation: 125th commemorative emblem

2016 Finals Week 3

2016 Finals Week 2

Almanac Season Review: Cam Hooke’s Collingwood 2016 Season Review

The Footy Almanac

Last year our season collapsed under the pressure of injuries.  Sitting Top Four after 12 Rounds at 8 and 3, we slipped to 12th with 10 and 12 by the end of the season.  We thought it could only get better as our team repaired itself and was reconstituted during the off-season.  The promise of the future was there.
We picked up Treloar (at the death knell) and Aish and Howe, who started to get more and more of our attention as the season progressed.  And the 2017 pre-season was okay.  We beat Geelong at Kardinia Park; and North in Wagga, with a very close final check win over the Dogs at Etihad.  Things were looking promising.
Then we reversed it.  The first game we were slaughtered by Sydney and lost Swanny, Brownie, Williams and Witts to injuries; Swannie’s leading eventually to his retirement.  Jamie Elliott followed shortly after and Fas for significant periods, on and off.

The Season by Halves:
We had a pretty ‘gentle’ first half of the season – 4 games against Top 8 Teams; 8 games against bottom teams.  Even given this we had 4 Wins and 8 Losses for the first half of the season.  The Losses included significant thumpings by Sydney, St Kilda, the Eagles, Port and Melbourne; indeed it wasn’t so much the Losses, but the margins that were concerning.  Our Wins were against Richmond (almost a death-knell accident), Essendon and Brisbane – neither particularly noteworthy.  But we showed occasional glimpses of the capacity to perform destroying Geelong in a First Quarter performance that was quite extraordinary.  But we Lost to Carlton.
After the Bye (Round 13) we started to perform, even given the competition against Top Eight /Bottom teams of 6 and 4 respectively – by the end we had 5 and 5.  We won against GWS at their home, and WCE in Melbourne, and pushed the Bulldogs and Hawthorn to the death.  The narrow Losses against quality sides, even with players missing were significant and promise much for the future.  In every game there were periods when we performed and the team was dominant, but only for periods.  And we beat Carlton.

The good, the bad and the ugly:

• The List.  We used 39 players during the season, including 6 debutants.  The numbers are even worse when applied to the Back 6 for the first half of the season – 20 players used in the Backs in the first 9 Rounds.  Comments:

• Treloar and Adams have been massive additions to Pendles and Sidebottom.  Sidebottom and Adams have both successfully performed ‘tagging roles’ on occasion.  The challenge to control of the Midfield comes when including the ruck in this group.  The Mids’ Clearances are being degraded by the need for them to counter the failure of our ruck.  Grundy, quite correctly, is being regularly selected amongst the Best in the team.  I would suggest that this is principally because of his work around the ground; not his ruck work.  He positions himself well, is able to move away from defenders and has a fantastic tackle.  With the exception of other non-traditional rucks (eg. Natanui) Witts is a better fit as ruck.  And Cox and White are not capable, and Moore is not best used, in that role.  I still consider there is room to include both Witts and Grundy in the team.

• The subject of much media discussion during the season, plus a bit of vitriol from fellow-supporters, I might add.  The subject of discussion has been consistently the measure of Trav’s goals scored at the end of the game; which I think is both wrong and unfair.  My criticism has consistently been the delivery to him – low and hard to a leading Forward is preferable to ‘up and under’ kicks.  While Moore is a real talent, we should not rely on ‘speckies’ to achieve ‘Marks inside 50’.  The return from injury of Elliott and Fasolo will aid the Forward Line.

• Back 6. There were way too many ‘easy goals’ from unmarked opponents or an unattended Goal Square.  The apparent adoption of a zone defence as the basis of our defence pretty obviously didn’t work.  Early in the season we led the competition in points scored against us from Centre Bounce clearance.  This was impacted on by Clearance failure at the Centre and our lack of defensive pressure; both.  Our Back 6, plus an extra, need to be a distinct team, with both the willingness and capability to provide a ‘second-man-up’ option.  Additionally, there have been mismatches amongst the selections – speed and mobility are frequently key.  Some manning changes are necessary; as is some stability.

• My Best. My Best over the whole season are, in order:
  • Treloar;
  • Pendles;
  • Grundy;
  • Sidebottom; and
  • A notable addition is Varcoe who has been fantastic as an example of commitment to the younger players.

Other Aspects

• There is absolutely no question that Pendles is one of the most talented footballers we’ve ever seen.  But I’m not sure he is the right man for the Collingwood Captain role.  I thought Maxy was simply outstanding in that role.  I remember one game when he was out-injured he spent the game on the sidelines screaming at the Backs, encouraging them and managing the Back 6.

• The Game Plan. We want to control the Centre (and other stoppages), clearing effectively and driving forward into the Inside 50, preferably to end with a Mark inside 50 and a score.  Out of the Backline, we want rapid ball movement through the ‘corridor’ and via the Wings to connect with the Centre clearances.  application?

• This is separately identified because it has been such a variable thing this year.  This is a fundamental responsibility of the coach(es) and the team leadership to motivate the team.  During the season we lost games from winning positions and have been subject to ‘drubbings’ when a respectable Loss was achievable.  This is my fundamental concern regarding Bucks as Senior Coach and Pendles as Captain.

• The Coach(es). I’ve been largely pretty defensive about Buck’s performance over the last four years, however the numbers are starting to add up.  There has been public discussion on his replacement, particularly following his early extension (15 March 2016) – his tenure now runs out at the end of next year.  He has publicly stated that if the Pies do not make the 2017 Finals he will not be there.  My (very external) assessment is that changes are necessary and are being discussed.  Some of the Assistants may go and Brenton Sanderson is being talked about as a new arrival.

The Future:
“Pies for Premiers in 2017“ (there you have it first from me). I have faith.  Our List is excellent and the Game Plan is sound when it’s implemented.  Perhaps that is the key issue that we haven’t really consistently ‘fixed’ this year – “how to implement the Game Plan”.

Fixes?

• I love the Disposal Efficiency statistic.  As a measure of an individual’s effectiveness this separates the good and the great.  We need to pursue a 100% success rate in the delivery of the ball.  This requires the awareness, through the Game Plan, of where the recipient will be and, therefore where the ball needs to be passed.  It also requires great personal foot and hand skills.  “Up and under” kicks are not good enough.

• Selections / List / Tactics. Farewell and thanks to those players who have already announced their retirement or movement.  I think there is scope for some changes, particularly in the Back 6.  There are some inevitable changes into the Forwards as players become available.  And consider playing Witts and Grundy in the same team.

• Catch-up Footy. Even in the second half of the season we allowed oppositions to run away early leaving us massive catch-up targets.  See next point.

• We must be a pressure side.  This must reflect the team’s motivation.  I am reminded of the old adage: “There are no bad troops; just bad leaders”.

• Greater innovation is essential to get, and stay, ahead of the competition.  These can apply to selections, specific roles and general play.  I suggest the ‘run with/tagging’ roles, the extra man into the Backline and ‘lateral shift’ of the ball are all examples well adopted now.  I would suggest the ‘power HF Line’ is worth considering.

2017 looks pretty good for the Pies, but then so did 2016.

• We can expect Scharenberg to take his place in the team (at last) and Elliott and Fas to crumb the key Forwards; Langdon, Williams and Ramsay to support Reid and Howe in the Back 6; even add Frosty in the ‘extra-man up’ role. And the bunch of (relative) newbies promise much – Marsh, Crocker, Phillips, Smith, Wills, Maynard and Darcy, of course.

Season Review: Collingwood

AFL - Ben Collins

In a nutshell
An enviable recruiting campaign and an exciting NAB Challenge raised expectations sky-high, but a series of injuries and several unforeseen flops quickly forced us to reassess the Pies as a mediocre, developing team.

What we said in the pre-season 
Overall, the AFL.com.au experts correctly predicted the Pies would miss the finals for the third year running, although some expected them to be the bolter and finish in the top six. A few of us tipped Adam Treloar to be the recruit of the year, and he would have been if not for an amazing season from Patrick Dangerfield. Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury received a couple of nominations for Brownlow medallist, but he might struggle to get 15 votes.

What worked
Unfortunately for the Pies, the positives were more individualised rather than from team-orientated. In addition to the consistent efforts of experienced duo Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, ex-Giant Adam Treloar proved his worth with a sensational first-up season, Brodie Grundy assumed the No.1 ruck mantle and lifted his game to new levels, Darcy Moore took another step towards seemingly inevitable superstar status, Ben Reid arrested his soft-tissue ailments to be a fine contributor and Jeremy Howe was terrific in defence.

What failed
Injuries weren't the overarching reason for the Pies' below-par performance, but they were a contributing factor, particularly forward of centre given they didn't have their two best small forwards, Jamie Elliott and Dane Swan, Travis Varcoe missed five early games and Alex Fasolo barely played in the second half of the season. Form and injury issues led to lack of continuity at both ends of the ground, with premiership pair Travis Cloke and Nathan Brown both dropped at various stages. Team defence and skill execution were also recurring issues.

Overall rating
D. Injury is a mitigating factor but the Pies simply weren't good enough and hard enough for long enough.

The coach
In March, the Pies awarded Nathan Buckley a one-year contract extension that will expire at the end of next season, and it wasn't long before that decision was derided, as the Magpies weren't able to live up to the massive expectations. Buckley has now been at the helm for five seasons and is yet to receive a favourable run with personnel, but will enter the last year of his contract under enormous pressure to break the finals drought.

Nathan Buckley will be under huge pressure in 2017, the final year of his contract. Picture: AFL Photos

The leaders 
A glaring weakness for the Pies for much of the season. Skipper Scott Pendlebury copped busted ribs in round one and battled on manfully but at times had to carry much of the responsibility himself without his fellow leaders Taylor Adams, Nathan Brown, Brent Macaffer and even Steele Sidebottom, who was suspended early. It also didn't help that unofficial leaders like Travis Cloke struggled.

MVP
Adam Treloar: The gut-running midfielder achieved the near-impossible by living up to the enormous hype that followed his move from the Giants. Will comfortably win the Pies' best and fairest after averaging 30.6 possessions (12 contested) and 5.4 clearances.

Surprise packet
Mason Cox: The 'American Pie' made his debut on Anzac Day and held his spot for 10 successive games, finishing with 17 goals, including seven multiple-goal efforts. Not even Pies list manager Derek Hine expected that.

Get excited
James Aish: Some were too hasty in writing off the former Lion after a sluggish start. The form he displayed in his impressive finish to the season, when he showcased his smarts and marking ability, should be his starting point next season.

Disappointment
Travis Cloke: For a big-name spearhead of his experience, being dropped three times and kicking just 17 goals in 13 games was some fall from grace. But really, Cloke hasn't played consistently for three years.

Best win
Round 16: Collingwood 19.11 (125) def Greater Western Sydney 14.9 (93) at Spotless Stadium
The Pies were still a mathematical chance to make the finals but appeared in danger of a hiding when they trailed the Giants by four goals at quarter-time. But with Cloke finding rare touch, the plucky visitors piled on 16 of the next 23 goals.

Low point
Collingwood isn't yet good enough to simply replace a soldier with a soldier as Hawthorn does, so when superstar veteran Dane Swan suffered a career-ending leg injury in his first contest of the season, it spelled dread for his young team. The Pies lost a leader and a goalkicking ball-winner.

The big questions
Where does Travis Cloke's future lie?
What will the Pies do to either improve their kicking efficiency or limit the damage such turnovers cause?
Will coach Nathan Buckley keep his job beyond 2017?

Season in a song
The Only Way Is Up – Yazz

What we say:
Young talent could click overnight.

Who's done?
Retirements:
 Dane Swan, Alan Toovey, Brent Macaffer
Delistings:
 TBC
Unsigned free agents:
 Jarryd Blair (unrestricted), Nathan Brown (restricted)

How should they approach trade and draft period?
If Cloke is on the move, the Pies will likely collect a second or third-round pick or a player, and could target key-position players at either end in the draft.

Early call for 2017
The pass mark for the Pies is simply to make the finals, as it has been for the past three seasons. A manageable injury list would be a good start.

Collingwood Magpies Players Of The Year And Season Review

The Roar - Jonty Smith

Collingwood have the biggest margin between best and worst in the AFL.
It seems ridiculous that the same team can lose to a Richmond side in limbo, coming off their lowest-ever score in 55 years, then beat a rampaging West Coast.
While there have been injuries, their best 22 – as proven last Sunday against Hawthorn – can almost beat the premiers for the past 1100 days.
Win or lose, some players always rise to the occasion, and for the Pies they are Adam Treloar, skipper Scott Pendlebury, and the ever-reliable Steele Sidebottom.

Adam Treloar
The trade of the year, Treloar has taken his game to a new level. It is hard to believe he hasn't been playing with this group all his life – particularly the midfield – and he has only improved as the season has progressed.
He is the team's most proficient for disposals (673 at 31 per game), metres gained (8.67 kilometres at 394 per game), clearances (118 at 5.4 per game), tackles (139 at 6.3), and fantasy points (averaging 111). His season should be topped off with a club best and fairest, and a 40-man All Australian selection.
A determined, motivating and popular character around the club, the scary part is that Treloar has a couple of years before his peak.

Scott Pendlebury
Led by example, starting the season on the half backline with broken ribs, having slightly less influence, before recovering and playing the majority of the season in the midfield.
Ended the season with the team's most contested possessions, averaging 12.6, and score involvements, with 8.1.
The time and space he seems to create in the midfield is impressive and proved his doubters wrong after a leaner 2015.

Steele Sidebottom
Despite an early suspension, Sidebottom was the one player who looked like he put in 100 per cent whether down by 50 or up by 30.
He is developing a great midfield combination with the two mentioned above and Jack Crisp, yet his incredible fitness makes him a versatile option.
While he doesn't lead Collingwood in any of the important stats, he has had comfortably his best season, improving his inside 50s per game (averaging 3.6), tackles (averaging 4.5) and score involvements (averaging 6.6).
His addition to the leadership group seems to have only improved his game this year, and he will likely slot into third place for the club's best and fairest.

Nathan Buckley
Nathan Buckley has said that Collingwood must make the finals in 2017 for him to remain coach, and he's right – with the list they have, there is simply too much talent and class for them not to be appearing in September.
Buckley and the crew must find a way to get the Pies playing at the level they played against Hawthorn in their last game of the season, every week.

Season In Review: Collingwood Magpies, Nathan Buckley Reach Critical Juncture

The Age - Jon Pierik

After three years of missing the finals, 2017 shapes as a defining season for Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and the controversial coaching succession plan.

Finishing position 2016: 12th (9 wins, 13 losses, 95.6%)

Finishing position 2015: 12th (10 wins, 12 losses, 106.3%)

Players used: 39

Debutants: Tom Phillips (round 12, v Melbourne), Matthew Goodyear (round 3, v St Kilda), Rupert Wills (round 19, v West Coast Eagles), Ben Crocker (round 7, v Carlton), Josh Smith (round 5, v Essendon), Mason Cox (round 5, v Essendon)

Retiring/delisted: Dane Swan's 258-game career effectively ended when he crashed to the turf and suffered three broken bones in his foot, including a Lisfranc fracture, against the Swans in round one. While the "will-he, won't-he" talk of a return bubbled through the season, Swan finally confirmed what most thought – his time was up. His premiership teammates Brent Macaffer, with four senior games this year, and Alan Toovey, with eight, also retired. Macaffer had struggled after a knee reconstruction, while Toovey had been unable to enjoy a regular defensive berth. Travis Cloke, after a year of frustration, has sought a trade to the Western Bulldogs, while Nathan Brown has been linked with North Melbourne. Jarrod Witts is also assessing his options.

Outlook for 2017: The general consensus is the Pies will be a legitimate finals contender next season – but the same was said this year. Indeed, the Pies were even backed to make the top four, so impressive did their list appear. But concerns about the game plan, which was reshaped mid-season, Cloke's struggles, the absence of Jamie Elliott and Swan, and a defensive unit initially hit by injury meant the Pies limped through the opening couple of months, to the point president Eddie McGuire was even asked whether he would hesitate in sacking Nathan Buckley should that be in the best interests of the club. There will be change among the assistant coaches, with Ben Hart already gone, while Graeme Allan has – to the surprise of no one – been shoehorned into the role of football-department chief, replacing Neil Balme. That reportedly has been a source of angst among some at the club. The Pies were able to develop their youngsters this year, and recruit Adam Treloar was a stand-out, so the season was not a total waste. Provided this development continues, they should challenge for a top-eight berth next year.

Make no mistake: These are worrying times for the Pies. That McGuire had to be talked out of quitting by his two sons after the round-seven loss to Carlton highlighted the pressure the club was under. Buckley has embraced that pressure, to the point he has admitted publicly he won't survive 2017 if the Pies fail to make the finals. Scott Pendlebury (who played with broken ribs in the opening month), Steele Sidebottom and Treloar are elite in the midfield but there are questions up forward. Cloke is gone but who will be Darcy Moore's fellow marking tall? The Pies do not have a first-round draft selection this year but will add to their stocks through the father-son selections of club greats Gavin Brown and Peter Daicos. Overall, it shapes as a legacy, even defining year for McGuire and Buckley, and the club's controversial call to replace Mick Malthouse after the 2011 campaign. A failure to make the finals with a team now far removed from the Malthouse era will mean, certainly in the eyes of some, that the handover was a failure.

What the coach says:
"There might be things outside of our control. We need things to fall into place as a program for us. We need a little bit of luck, we need to be harder, we need to be more consistent - these are all things that we know are going to be the difference between us maximising our potential. It's not a talent thing. I'm on the hook flat out, we're all on the hook flat out for it and it's really important for us to make this work." - Nathan Buckley

Collingwood’s 2016 Report Card: Magpies Show Promise In Second Half Of Season

Herald Sun - Kate Salemme | Jay Clark

WE thought Collingwood might take a big step forward, but we had to wait until the second half to see any progress.
Things began horribly for the Pies. They had a shocking injury run, a defensive system that wasn’t working and a problematic spearhead. The absence of Jamie Elliott and Dane Swan was particularly costly and the heat came for Nathan Buckley.
But to the coach’s credit, he tweaked things over the mid-season bye, and the youthful Pies began to dominate games in the midfield. Scott Pendlebury’s broken ribs healed and Adam Treloar will challenge the skipper for the Copeland Trophy, despite missing almost the entire preseason with groin issues.
In addition, Collingwood’s defensive game plan switched from a zone to more one-on-one and the Pies knocked off Geelong, Greater Western Sydney (away) and ran Hawthorn to within one point to re-enter the finals mix, albeit briefly.
Brodie Grundy became one of the game’s top ruckman in his third season. Importantly, there was greater effort across the board after the bye. There is upside at the Holden Centre. Matthew Scharenberg will play the rebounding role out of defence next season and Elliott will provide a foil for Darcy Moore in attack.

2016 SNAPSHOT
WINS: 9
LOSSES: 13
DRAWS: 0
LADDER POSITION: 12 th
PERCENTAGE: 95.6%
LAST YEAR: 12th (finished with one less win)

WHAT WENT RIGHT
The Pies paid a high price for former GWS midfielder Adam Treloar but he’s lived up to expectation. One of only three Magpies to play every game this season, Treloar was explosive and at times dominant in the midfield, ranked sixth in the league for average disposals and tackles, while ranked No.1 at the Pies ahead of Scott Pendlebury in both categories as well as clearances, centre clearances and inside 50s. And let’s not forget the season of defender Ben Reid. While the Pies were ravaged by injury, Reid finally got his body right and was a key cog in the defensive setup and reminded the footy world why he was All-Australian in 2011.

WHAT WENT WRONG
Injuries galore. From Matt Scharenberg tearing his ACL two weeks into pre-seasaon, to Jamie Elliott’s pre-season back injury then setbacks ruling him out for the season, and Dane Swan suffering a season and career-ending injury in the opening five minutes of the Round 1 game, not much has gone right for the Pies. First choice players Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo and Taylor Adams played only half the season and who could have predicted the season Travis Cloke had? Lack of key personnel – the Pies used 39 players and only three played every game - and a defensive setup that didn’t work early meant Nathan Buckley’s team was always playing catch-up and in the end was never in the mix to play finals.

HIGHLIGHT AND LOWLIGHT
It’s a tie for best win between the Round 9 victory over Geelong at the MCG and the Round 16 win over GWS in Sydney. In both those games Buckley’s team played with the flair and confidence we’d seen from them in the pre-season but failed to produce consistently in the home-and- away rounds. Those wins give the Magpie faithful hope and a glimpse into the future of what this young team, when fit can produce. However, there are plenty of candidates for worst loss and you can’t go past the 15-point loss to Carlton in Round 7. That was a horror day for the Pies who would have pencilled that in as a win during pre-season but the Pies didn’t put the Blues away early and from there Brendon Bolton’s team had a sniff and never looked back. The loss had president Eddie McGuire questioning whether he should continue at the helm.

DRAFT/TRADE REVIEW
Draft picks: Brayden Sier (32), Tom Phillips (58), Rupert Wills (63), Ben Crocker (65), Lachie Keefe (rookie), Josh Smith (rookie), Josh Thomas (rookie), Tim Golds (rookie), Darrean Wyatt (rookie)
Trade/free agency aquisitions: Jeremy Howe (Melbourne), Adam Treloar (GWS), James Aish (Brisbane)
Adam Treloar is likely to pick up the best and fairest award in his first year so that’s a big tick, while Jeremy Howe was great after being switched into defence. It will be interesting to see how Nathan Buckley’s uses the former Demon in 2017. James Aish started the season slowly but finished well and showed why he’s going to be a very good player for the club in the future. His ball use, marking and ability to read the play stand out. Early indications are that they drafted well, too with Ben Crocker, Tom Phillips, Rupert Wills and Josh Smith all showing they can be competent players at senior level.

THE COACH
No person in the AFL is scrutinised more than Nathan Buckley. But there is the very real prospect the spotlight will sharpen even more as he enters a make-or-break 2017. Buckley deserves some luck with injuries, but after missing September three years in a row, there will be no excuses for not making finals next year.

YOU SAID IT
“I’m on the hook flat out, we’re all on the hook flat out for it and it’s really important for us to make this work.”
- Nathan Buckley

BEST AND FAIREST
It will definitely be a battle in two as Treloar and Pendlebury battle it out for the title. Our money is on Treloar, simply because the Pies skipper had battled manfully through injury for most of the season, including stints at halfback. It will be a huge nod for the gun 23-year-old who has had an immediate impact at his new club. Expect Ben Reid, Steele Sidebottom and Brodie Grundy to feature heavily, while Taylor Adams should also poll well from his 14 games before hamstring and ankle injuries, as will Alex Fasolo.
B&F Count: Copeland Trophy, October 7 at Crown Palladium

SUPERCOACH STUD
Can’t go past Pendlebury. Finished the season with a team-high average of 118.7 points per game – ranked behind only Patrick Dangerfield across the competition. He delivered in spades, recording 18 scores of 100 point or more and his lowest score of the season was 82 against Richmond in Round 20. Just delivers.

SUPERCOACH DUD
After a strong pre-season campaign many expected Jordan De Goey to have a breakout SuperCoach season but many lost patience with the young Magpie early on. Ended with three triple figure scores but a season average of 75.7 was disappointing. Had a strong finish to the season though, averaging 94.3 points in his last three games. Maybe next year.

THE LIST
ELITE: Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom
BIG IMPROVERS: Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo, James Aish, Ben Sinclair, Mason Cox
GONE: Dane Swan (retired), Alan Toovey (retired), Brent Macaffer (retired)
GOING, GOING: Travis Cloke, Jarryd Blair, Matthew Goodyear, Corey Gault
TRADE BAIT: Travis Cloke, Jarrod Witts, Tim Broomhead, Adam Oxley

ON THE BLOCK
We know Travis Cloke is probably on his way to the Western Bulldogs, and Jarrod Witts is expected to seek more opportunity, potentially at Brisbane. Free agent Nathan Brown is weighing up a move to North Melbourne and Marley Williams remains unsigned.

WHAT THEY NEED
Key position players are the priority at Collingwood both forward and back. With Travis Cloke declaring his intentions to find a new home, the Pies need more than Mason Cox as back up to Darcy Moore and Jesse White. And where is Nathan Brown at? Unsigned and a free agent, the Pies must keep the full back otherwise that puts it in a precarious position. Ben Reid had a good season but will his body hold up? And Jack Frost is out of contract, while Lachlan Keeffe is coming back from a two-year drugs ban. Trouble looming in defensive stocks, too. The Pies have been linked to contracted Giant Will Hoskin-Elliott, while Adam Tomlinson is also on the radar to fill one key position need. Jaeger O’Meara seems a pipe dream with not much in the way of picks to satisfy Gold Coast. Should have a nibble at Swan Sam Reid and Eagles Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown.

PREMIERSHIP CLOCK: 7pm
On paper, there is enough young talent at Collingwood to drive the club on an upward curve over the next five years. Another prime marking target is crucial for the list build.

STATS

REPORT CARD: magpies 2016
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(Source: Champion Data)